Lifestyle

“Oyo Journalists Deserve Better,” Says NUJ Candidate Abas

By Web News 230

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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Human Angle

Alhaji Odekunle was a thoroughbred reporter of note – Oyo NUJ Chairman

By Web News 350

By Olawale Asake

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, led by its Chairman, Chief Ademola Babalola has paid a condolence visit to the management of the News and Current Affairs Department, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Dugbe, Ibadan over the demise of a just retired staff of the Department, Alhaji Adeniyi Odekunle who passed away on Wednesday.

Chief Babalola described the late Odekunle as a thoroughbred journalist and unionist par excellence who served the union up to the national level as a member of its executive.

According to him, the council received the news of the demise of Alhaji Odekunle with shock, but with solace in God that the deceased was a selfless, cerebral and committed member of the union whose legacy would not be forgotten anytime soon.

He prayed to God to comfort the family, management, members of staff of the FRCN and friends of the deceased during this trying and grieving period.

Responding, the Deputy Director, News and Current Affairs who is also an immediate past Chairman of NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr Adewumi Faniran who received the visiting NUJ executive members on behalf of the management and members of the department commended the Chief Babalola-led executive for the condolence visit, saying the deceased was a professional who had paid his dues as a reporter of note, a painstaking editor and skilful commentary writer.

Mr Faniran regretted that the deceased who was due to be celebrated on Thursday by the department, having served meritoriously for 35 years, could not see the day.

He prayed for his soul to rest in peace, adding that, his impact on the lives of others remained unquantifiable.

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Religion

Embrace unity, eschew rancor – Agbotomokekere, Eleshinmeta Advises Muslims

By Web News 701

Muslim faithful in Ibadan on Monday converged on various Eid Prayer Grounds to offer supplications to Allah as the Ramadan fast ended.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation reports that some of the worshipers who were gorgeously dressed arrived their prayer grounds with their relations while also taking along their prayer mats.

Addressing the worshipers at the Eid Prayer Ground, Agodi, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdul-Ganiyy Agbotomokekere, urged Nigerians to draw closer to Allah.

Alhaji Agbotomokekere urged Muslims to always embrace unity and eschew rancour.

He also called on kidnappers to desist from their heinous acts and fear Allah.

The chief imam appealed to those seeking elective positions not to make it a do-or-die affair.

High point of the event was prayers for the nation and its leaders.

Rotimi Famakin 

Continue the pious lives you lived during Ramadan – Dr Eleshinmeta

Muslim faithful have been urged to start living a new life after the end of Ramadan as their past sins have been forgiven by Allah.

Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Society, Oyo State Council, Dr Bashir Eleshinmeta stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitri.

Imam Eleshinmeta noted that life after Ramadan in the sight of God is like that of a newborn baby which must be unblemished afterwards.

Similarly, Circuit President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamat ,Ibadan Circuit, Alhaji Moruf Olubajo said, if Nigerians were to elect trustworthy leaders in the forthcoming 2023 elections, they must continue to live holy lives after Ramadan.

Alhaji Olubajo noted that living a pious life was necessary for righteousness to reign.

The Muslim faithful who were dressed in beautiful attires thanked God for witnessing this year’s Ramadan with a pledge to imbibe the lessons learnt during the fast.

Lilian Ibomor

Lifestyle

Injustice, deprivation of citizens’ rights, fueling insecurity – Dr Adeleke

By Web News 632

There is a need to declare a state of emergency in the security sector of the country. 

A lecturer from the University of Lagos, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adeleke said this in Ibadan while delivering a lecture at the 12th Triennial congress of Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Council.  

Dr Adeleke said with the present state of affairs in the nation’s security sector, both federal and state governments must come up with policies that would reform the security apparatus of the country.

He noted that injustice and deprivation of legitimate rights of the citizens are a few of the factors contributing to insecurity in the country.

Earlier, the state chairman of Ansar UD Deen Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Council, Alhaji Hazeez Oladejo had said that the triennial congress would review activities of the society in the last three years. 

Highlights of the programme were the conferment of Gold Merit Awards on some distinguished Nigerians who had contributed immensely to the propagation of Islam and the Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria.

Some of the awardees were the General Manager of Pensioners FM Ibadan, Dr Babatunde Tiamiyu, wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Amudalat Olaniyan, some businessmen and women as well as the late former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Abiola Ajimobi who was conferred with a Posthumous Gold Merit Award.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

Alhaji Isiaka Abolade Emerges Oyo NUP Chairman

By Web News 941

The acting Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Oyo State Council, Alhaji Isiaka Abolade, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Union in Oyo state.

Alhaji Abolade emerged the new state helmsman at the state delegates’ conference held in Ibadan.

Earlier, the other contestant for the position of Chairman, Chief Samson Adeleye had withdrawn from the race.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Abolade assured that his tenure would continue to make welfare of pensioners top priority.

Speaking with newsmen, State Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Olusegun Abatan, stated that the election was hitch-free due to the maturity of the members. 

The new state exco of Nigeria Union of Pensioners will be in charge of the state affairs of the union for the next four years.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

SWAN Hails Oyo NUP Over Collaboration

By Web News 762

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, South West Zone has commended Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council for aiding the success of the maiden edition of Oyo SWAN Pensioners Indoor Games.

SWAN gave the commendation in a letter signed by its Vice-president, Mr Seun Ajayi-Obe, stating that SWAN has enjoyed tremendous support from NUP over the years. 

The letter acknowledged NUP’s plan to make the just concluded tournament an annual event, pointing out that it would further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between SWAN and Oyo NUP.

SWAN also made references to the giant strides made by Oyo NUP, such as establishment of the first labour radio station in Africa and ongoing construction of first labour hospital in Nigeria, recommending that such exemplary feat should be emulated by all standardized organizations across the world.

The association then urged Oyo NUP to continually set the pace while raising the bar in public administration.

Olaolu Fawole

Economy

We have paid 7.5 billion naira as pensions since assumption of office – Governor Makinde

By Web News 790

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says seven point five billion naira has been paid as gratuities since inception of his administration.

Governor Makinde made this known in Ibadan at the celebration of Pensioners Day organized by the Oyo State Council of Nigeria Union of Pensioners.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Alhaji Sikiru Titilola Sodo, Governor Makinde pointed out that the state government would not relent in giving priority to the welfare of pensioners. 

Earlier, the Oyo State secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Olusegun Abatan, had commended the state government for prompt payment of pensions to retirees as soon as they disengage from civil service.

Olaolu Fawole

News

Children Need Proper Mentoring To Turn Out Right – Stakeholders

By Web News 946

There is an adage that says, children are the hope of tomorrow, hence the need for proper upbringing.

As the Children’s Day is being celebrated globally, some stakeholders’ have shared their opinions of on how to inculcate discipline in children for the overall development of the nation.

A child is a person, male or female, between birth and age eighteen.

However, their development requires concerted efforts by parents, guardians, and stakeholders to make them responsible individuals in the society, as children are the joy of every parent.

In the words of the Chief Imam, Ansarudeen Society, Oyo State Council, Dr Bashir Olanrewaju, if parents could see to the proper growth of their children in all ramifications, they would become a great pride, not for themselves alone, but for the society at large.

An Assistant Pastor, Foursquare Gospel Church Bodija, Ibadan, Pastor Kayode Babatunde, who lauded the efforts of parents on their children advised them to lay good examples for them.

Another clergyman, Reverend Olusegun Orisajo said, considering this trying period in view of Covid-19, there was need to ensure wise counsel for the children.

Lending her voice, in one of her songs, Christy Essien Igbokwe noted that children on their part also needed to heed the instructions of their parents.

Taiwo Akinola

Lifestyle

Oyo NUJ, League of Veteran Journalists, Mourn Late Sehinde Dagunduro

By Web News 1109

League of Veteran Journalists and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, have paid a condolence visit to the family of a former Chairman of NUJ and a member of League of Veteran Journalists, Mr. Sehinde Dagunduro who just passed on to glory. 

Some of the members of League of Veteran Journalists, during the condolence visit

Addressing, the bereaved, Chairman, League of Veteran Journalists, Mr. Bayo Ogundele and other members of the league including Chief Felix Adenaike and Lanre Ogundipe described the deceased as a dutiful, caring and accomodating colleague who loved the journalism profession.

Some of the members of League of Veteran Journalists and NUJ, during the condolence visit

On his part, Chairman NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr. Adewumi Faniran said the deceased was a thoroughbred professional and unionist-per-excellence whose activities and leadership qualities were remarkable. 

Responding, a son of the deceased, Mr. Tokunbo Dagunduro said his father’s death was a rude shock to the family, noting that legacies left by his father would always be remembered. 

Adedayo Adelowo

Lifestyle

Oyo NUJ Election: Credentials Committee Releases Names of Contestants

By Web News 757

2019 Credential Committee of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council has released list of contestants for claims and objections ahead of the Council’s election scheduled for December 18.

In a statement in Ibadan by the Secretary of the committee, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi, the list contains detailed information about the contestants while members who have claims and objections against any of them have till 3pm on Thursday, 31st October to forward petitions to the committee.

The statement explains that the list had been pasted at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku while copies had been forwarded to chapels.

According to the list, there are twelve aspirants contesting for all the seven offices in the Council.

The breakdown of the list shows that 2 persons each are contesting for the positions of Chairman, Vice-chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary while there is just one aspirant each for the office of Assistant Secretary and Internal Auditor.

The statement reiterates the commitment of the committee to ensure that the constitution of the union is followed strictly in the conduct of the election.

Ridwan Fasasi

Lifestyle

Oyo NUJ Inaugurates Credentials Committee

By Web News 771

Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council has inaugurated Credentials Committee to conduct the union’s election in December this year. 

The committee emerged through a congressional vote which had twenty four in favor of the committee being inaugurated against two who voted in contrarily, while some stayed neutral. 

This election followed a motion and counter motion on whether the committee should be inaugurated or not. 

The committee includes Semiu Azeez of Oke-Ogun Federated Chapel as Chairman, Ridwan Fasasi of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria as Secretary.

Other members are Nike Ajayi, of Association of Local Government Information Officers, Ola Ajayi of correspondent chapel and Abdulrofi Adebayo of Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo state. 

Meanwhile, the congress became rowdy when one Raji Adebayo of Herald Newspaper who is yet to be enlisted in the compendium of the union as a member, physically assaulted the chairman, Mr. Adewunmi Faniran on the grounds that his group had two votes. 

Earlier, Chairman, Oyo NUJ, Mr. Adewunmi Faniran disclosed that the decision was in line with the constitution.

“All of them pay check-off dues, they are professionally qualified, they belong to a chapel and they work with reputable organizations.” He explained.

However, the communiqué issued at the end of the congress charges members to be alive to their responsibilities by allowing their actions to be guided by the constitution. 

It also states that the congress promises to support the council in ensuring a befitting 2019 Press Week.

Adedayo Adelowo