Before December 22, 2022, the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was tormented by a self-inflicted three-year disaster.
The disaster, which stemmed from a management tussle following inconclusive elections, a number of court docket injunctions, counter-orders, and judgments, reached its peak in 2022.
Having endured vital setbacks, members of the Council got here along with renewed resolve to chart a brand new path ahead.
Thanks to the intervention of the nationwide management and veteran journalists from the state, a clean and credible election was ultimately performed, resulting in the emergence of a typically accepted government led by Comrade Wale Olanrewaju.
As the Wale Olanrewaju-led administration winds down by December 2025, a contemporary electioneering course of is about to start. According to the Union’s structure, elected officers are entitled to 2 phrases of three years every. By this provision, the present administration qualifies for re-election — the query is not only if, however why not?
As the favored saying goes, “One good turn deserves another.” It turns into crucial, due to this fact, to evaluate the achievements of the Olanrewaju-led government to find out whether or not that first “good turn” actually deserves a second.
A Union in Need of Stability
Coming out of disaster, the Union wanted a stabilizer — a unifying determine who may maintain the assorted chapels collectively and restore a way of route. Wale Olanrewaju stepped into that function.
The Journey So Far…
The administration has carried out admirably and even exceeded expectations. Notably, it secured a brand-new 18-seater Union bus donated by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. In addition, the previous Union bus, which was in a state of disrepair, was revived and is now absolutely practical.
Under Olanrewaju’s management, the once-dilapidated Iwe Iroyin Secretariat has undergone exceptional transformation. The reworking turned the colonial construction right into a befitting edifice worthy of journalism. Many have described the facelift because the “8th wonder” of NUJ secretariats throughout the nation.
Infrastructure, Power, and Water
Recognizing the significance of fundamental facilities, the administration sank the Secretariat’s first-ever practical borehole, making certain common water provide — regardless of {financial} constraints.
Power provide has additionally been addressed. A 12kVA photo voltaic system, donated by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central), now powers the Secretariat round the clock.
Membership Growth and Welfare
Welfare, the spine of any union, was positioned entrance and heart. Through financial help, in addition to the distribution of laptops, grinding machines, and stitching machines, many members have discovered new streams of earnings.
The variety of chapels beneath the Council has additionally grown — from 8 to fifteen — inserting Ogun NUJ among the many main councils within the nation when it comes to grassroots attain and organizational growth.
Unlike earlier administrations, the advantages of Council initiatives beneath Olanrewaju are tangible and traceable, with direct affect on the lives of members.
Reclaiming the Future
