Christianah Alade/Oluwanifesimi Apesin/Moyinoluwa Ojerinde(Interns)
The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter, has elected new officers led by Morenikeji Sobaloju of Ogun State Television to lead its affairs for next three years.
Penpushing reports that the election held on Friday at the Olusegun Osoba Hall of Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta was conducted by the national leaders of the association, and witnessed by number of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) leaders.
The peacefully conducted poll also produced Oluwadamilola Koleade of the Ministry of Information as Secretary, while other elected officials include Omolola Emmanuel as Auditor, Semiat Yusuf as Financial Secretary and Oluwabunmi Oni as Treasurer.
Penpushing further reports that the immediate past chairperson of the association Oluwatoyin Adegoke earlier in her handover speech expressed appreciation to members for offering her opportunity to serve for a period of six months following her emergence to run the affairs for the period
The former Chairperson explained that the past six months have been a period of responsibility, service, learning and, indeed, memorable experiences, adding that despite the challenges encountered, her administration remained committed to keeping the association active and ensuring that the interests and welfare of members remained at the heart of her activities.
‘I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to stand before you today as I formally hand over the affairs of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Council, to the newly elected leadership’, she said.
Penpushing also reports that Adegoke stated that during her tenure, she initiated and participated in programmes and activities focused on advocacy, sensitisation, professional development, visibility and the welfare of women journalists, and affirmed that these efforts were made possible by the commitment, cooperation and support of members.
The outgone chairperson, however, pointed out that for the sake of transparency, she disclosed that there is no financial statement to present at handover, largely due to the issues surrounding the association’s account.
‘As we begin another chapter, I urge the new administration to build on the gains already made and remain focused on issues that directly affect the lives and professional growth of our members, Adegoke emphasised.
Penpushing reports that while congratulating the new leadership urged them to ensure that the welfare of journalists, capacity building, professional advancement, unity and the visibility of the association should remain central to the agenda
‘I also encourage all members to give the new leadership the necessary cooperation and support. The success of NAWOJ is a collective responsibility, and no administration can succeed without the support and participation of its members’, she added
Penpushing further reports that newly elected Chairperson in her acceptance speech said she accepted the election with gratitude, humility and a profound sense of responsibility and accept the mandate to serve
‘With a heart filled with gratitude, humility and a profound sense of responsibility, I accept the mandate to serve as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Ogun State Chapter, Sobaloju said.
‘Today is not a celebration of one woman. It is a celebration of unity, sisterhood and the collective strength of women journalists in Ogun State. I am particularly grateful to my contender for choosing the path of unity and for stepping down in the interest of the collective good’, she added.
‘I deeply appreciate this gesture, and I extend my hand of friendship and partnership. There are no winners and losers here. We are one NAWOJ, and together, we shall move forward. I thank every member who believed in me, supported me and entrusted me with this responsibility. Your confidence is both an honour and a charge to serve diligently’, she added.
‘My campaign message was simple: *Unity, Progress, Love and Empowerment for All*. These will not remain mere campaign words; they will be the principles that guide our administration’, the chairperson emphasised.
‘We shall work towards a NAWOJ where the welfare of members matters, where every woman journalist has an opportunity to grow professionally, where young journalists are mentored, where experience is respected, and where every member has a voice’, she assured.
‘We shall pursue meaningful capacity building, greater visibility, professional development, strategic partnerships and opportunities that can improve the lives and careers of our members’, Sobaloju stated.
‘We will also promote a culture of inclusion, transparency, accountability, integrity and accessibility. Leadership, to me, is not about occupying a position; it is about listening, serving and creating opportunities for others to rise’.
‘To our senior colleagues, I seek your wisdom and guidance. To our younger members, I ask for your ideas, energy and commitment. To every member of NAWOJ Ogun, I say: this administration belongs to all of us’.
‘I may have emerged as Chairperson, but I cannot do this alone. Together, we can do more. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant and more respected NAWOJ Ogun. I make this commitment to you: I will lead with humility, courage, fairness and an open heart. I will listen. I will serve. I will represent’.
‘The work begins now. May God grant us wisdom, strength and the grace to leave NAWOJ Ogun better, stronger and more united than we met it. To every woman journalist in Ogun State: this is our time. This is our platform. This is our NAWOJ. Thank you for the confidence you have reposed in me.
Penpushing also reports that Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council Wale Olanrewaju, in his remarks charged the new executive to embrace the responsibilities of leadership and use their positions and contacts for the benefit of members.
“Use your contacts and don’t withhold them and help your people change the narrative. Then remember you’re first journalists, members of NUJ before NAWOJians, so respect the union,” he advised.
Penpushing reports that the inauguration, swearing-in and oath of office for the newly elected executives was conducted by a female legal practitioner Enilowoeye at the well-attended ceremony
Meanwhile, incumbent and former leaders of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in attendance include Vice President, Zone B, Adeola Adekunle; Zonal Secretary, Adeola Adewole; Doyin Jibowo, Funmi Opatola, Doyin Lasisi and Mrs Richard
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