Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Adewale Akodu on his emergence as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, urging him to prioritise journalists’ welfare, promote ethical journalism and strengthen collaboration between the media and government.

 

Akodu emerged chairman on Monday, November 9, 2026,  as he  succeeds Adeleye Ajayi, who completed two terms in office.

Following his emergence, Akodu assumed office at a swearing-in ceremony held at the NUJ Lagos Council Secretariat, 22 Iyalla Street, Alausa, Ikeja, where he pledged to protect journalists’ rights and advance their professional development.

In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Akodu’s emergence as recognition of his professional experience, competence and longstanding commitment to journalism and public service.

The governor expressed confidence in Akodu’s ability to provide purposeful leadership, citing his experience in public information management, strategic communication, media relations and union administration.

He also urged the new chairman to strengthen relations between government and the media, promote responsible journalism and encourage constructive engagement and accountability.

Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu called on Akodu to embrace inclusive leadership, transparency and unity by carrying all members along, irrespective of their affiliations during the election. He commended the chairman’s commitment to journalists’ welfare and capacity development, as outlined in his 10-point agenda.

Meanwhile, the new chairman identified welfarism, professionalism and capacity building as the three pillars of his administration, promising practical programmes to improve working conditions, strengthen ethical standards and equip journalists with skills relevant to an increasingly technology-driven media environment.

On journalists’ welfare, he pledged to engage media owners and employers to advocate regular salary payments, improved remuneration, better working conditions and respect for professional rights.

He also promised to defend members whenever their dignity, interests or professional integrity came under threat, stressing that his administration would pursue measurable results through sustained engagement, strategic partnerships and consistent advocacy.

Beyond welfare, the new council leader  pledged to build a united and inclusive council where every member would enjoy equal recognition and opportunities to contribute. He urged members across the various chapels to put electoral differences behind them and work collectively for the progress of the union.

To promote accountability, he promised an open-door administration founded on consultation, transparency and constructive criticism. He further pledged to strengthen relations with the NUJ National Secretariat, sister state councils, chapel executives and other stakeholders.

On the union’s wider responsibility, Akodu said his administration would position Lagos NUJ as a credible and influential voice in the media industry, promote accurate information and uphold the ethics of journalism.

He also extended an invitation to fellow contestants and their supporters to join the new administration, insisting that electoral differences should not weaken professional solidarity among journalists.

“The campaign is over; the task of building a stronger Union has just begun,” he said, describing his mandate as a call to service rather than a personal victory.

Additionally, he appealed to past leaders, union elders, chapel executives, senior journalists and younger practitioners to contribute their experience and ideas to the council’s development.

At the ceremony, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Wahab Akinlade, acknowledged the challenges, pressures and difficult moments encountered during the electoral process.

Among those present were the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo; NUJ Deputy National President, Abimbola Oyetunde; former national presidents of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Toro Oladapo and Ifeanyiwa Omowole; NUJ Zone B Vice Chairman, Ronke Samo; and Lagos NAWOJ Chairman, Jumoke Johnson.

Other attendees included immediate past Lagos NUJ Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, former Secretary Tunde Olalere, members of the outgoing executive, union elders and journalists.

In his message, Sanwo-Olu assured journalists that his administration recognises the media as an indispensable partner in good governance, transparency and sustainable development. He also encouraged the new leadership to promote credible information and combat misinformation.