Lifestyle

By Jeffrey Ahonmisi

The newly elected executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, have marked their first major outing with a colourful Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol celebration in Ibadan.

The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, featured the reading of nine biblical lessons interspersed with uplifting Christmas carols rendered by choirs from Molete Baptist Church, Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Reformation Land, and Total Man Assembly.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station

Delivering the sermon, the General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Reformation Land, Akaran Road, Ibadan, Prophet Timothy Arabambi, underscored the vital role of journalists in shaping society.

He admonished media practitioners to discharge their duties with the fear of God, maintain balance in reportage, and refrain from using the influence of their profession to intimidate others.

Prophet Arabambi also reminded the congregation that Christmas transcends festivity, describing it as a season of reflection, sacrifice, and compassion for the less privileged.

In his remarks, the Chairman, NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr Akeem Abas, expressed appreciation to guests and members, assuring them that his administration would prioritise welfare, capacity building, and the restoration of professionalism in journalism.

Highlights of the service included scripture readings, special renditions of traditional Christmas hymns, and prayers offered for the success of the new NUJ executives.

Dignitaries at the event included past and present union leaders, among them Chairperson, National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Oyo State, Mrs Omolola Alamu, former NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs Adekitan Adeagbo; National Trustee of the NUJ, Mr Seye Ojo; chapel members; and the FRCN Ibadan News Management Team led by former Chairman, NUJ Oyo State Council, and Deputy Director, News and Current Affairs, Mr Adewumi Faniran.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Lifestyle

By Rotimi Famakin

As campaigns intensify ahead of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council election, one of the chairmanship candidates, Mr. Akeem Abas, has pledged to make members’ welfare his top priority and to modernize journalism practice in the state if elected.

Mr. Abas made the promise while flagging off his team’s campaign, themed “The Great Minds,” at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

He said his administration would establish a food bank for members and facilitate regular capacity-building programmes to enhance professionalism within the industry.

Calling for a free and fair election, Mr. Abas assured that his campaign would remain issue-based, free of character assassination and intimidation.

Also speaking, Mr. Dayo Adu, a staff member of the News and Current Affairs Department, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Ibadan National Station, who is contesting for the position of State Secretary under The Great Minds Team, appealed for continued support.

Mr Adu urged supporters to translate the massive turnout at the flag-off event into votes on Election Day.

Past leaders of the NUJ, representatives of various chapels under the State Council, and veteran journalists who attended the flag-off commended the peaceful atmosphere of the event.

They urged candidates to focus on repositioning the Union and to avoid politics of bitterness.

In his remarks, Head of News and Current Affairs Department, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, and a former Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ, Mr. Adewumi Faniran said the Union deserved quality leadership.

Mr Faniran advised members to listen to all candidates and make informed choices at the polls.

The NUJ Oyo State Council election is scheduled to hold on December 9, 2025.

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Lifestyle

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial Constituency at the National Assembly from the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sharafadeen Alli has expressed his deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims affected by the tragic explosion that occurred in the Bodija area of Ibadan on Tuesday night.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.

The statement said that the lawmaker was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the devastation caused by this unfortunate incident.

Senator Alli emphasised the need for urgent support and assistance to the affected families during this difficult time. 

He called on relevant government agencies, emergency responders, and community leaders to collaborate in providing immediate relief as well as necessary resources to the victims and their families.

Senator Alli also urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of residents in the area.

He emphasised the importance of implementing stringent safety measures and regulations to prevent such incidents and protect the lives and properties of the people.

The lawmaker encouraged the affected families to stay strong and resilient in the face of this tragedy. 

He assured them that he would work tirelessly with relevant authorities to ensure that justice was served and necessary measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Senator Alli called on the entire community to come together in support of the affected families, offering prayers, comfort, and any possible assistance.

He urged everyone to prioritise safety and remain vigilant to prevent any further tragedies. 

The lawmaker said that together, as a united community, they can overcome this difficult time and rebuild stronger than before.

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Lifestyle

By Olawale Asake

The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sharafadeen Alli, has called on the Federal Government to immortalize and organise a befitting state burial for the designer of the Nigerian flag, Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi who died on 29th August, this year.

In a statement made available to Radio Nigeria, Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akeem Abas, Senator Alli moved the motion before the senate during its plenary in Abuja.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC said the late Taiwo Akinkunmi had contributed immensely to Nigeria’s Independence by designing the globally recognized flag of the country; hence, he deserved monumental recognition and honour, even in death.

Senator Alli described the late Akinkunmi as a national hero, whose legacy lingers, urging the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to support initiatives that would document the history and achievements of the deceased for the future generation to read about.

The Ibadan-born politician and philanthropist submitted that the honour, if accorded late Taiwo Akinkunmi would encourage the youths to be more patriotic and dedicated to the service of Nigeria, adding that, the late Akinkunmi was an undergraduate when he designed the Nigerian Flag.

The statement adds that a minute silence was observed at the plenary in honour of the deceased.

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