The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has elected Comrade Alhassan Yahaya as its new President. Yahaya was elected at the 8th Triennial Delegates’ Conference held from November 26 to 28 in Owerri, Imo State.
Comrade Yahaya, who previously served as the National Deputy President thrice, will now lead the NUJ for the next three years, succeeding Chris Isiguzo.
Comrade Yahaya of the Gombe State Media Corporation (GMCTv), Gombe, secured a total of 436 votes, effectively defeating his opponents.
Yahaya defeated the former National Treasurer of the Union, Comrade Bamidele Atunbi of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abuja, who garnered 97 votes, while Comrade Garba Mohammed, Regional Editor (North) of News Express newspaper, received 39 votes.
In addition to the new President, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Bronze FM Edo State, was elected unopposed as the new Deputy President.
Oyetunde’s emergence marks the first time a female would become a Deputy National President of NUJ.
Other national officers, including the National Treasurer Comrade Victor Ndukwe and Vice President of B-Zone (Southwest) Ronke Samo, were also elected unopposed.
The election process was overseen by Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu, and was attended by over 700 delegates amidst tight security measures.
During the conference, outgoing President Mr. Isiguzo expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity to lead for six years and commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for facilitating the conference in a peaceful environment.
Governor Uzodinma, in his address to the delegates, emphasized the importance of accountability in leadership at all levels and expressed support for an independent press to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
He highlighted the challenges of fake news and disinformation, urging responsible journalism, fact-checking, and media literacy to combat these issues.
The guest lecturer at the conference, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Dr. Ike Neliaku, represented by Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the integrity of their profession. He called for investment in staff development, ethical reportage, and support for colleagues in public engagements.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Media and Democracy: The Journalist Role in Holding Leaders Accountable,” underscored the crucial role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. With a focus on ethical reporting and media literacy, the NUJ aims to uphold the integrity of the journalism profession and contribute to a robust democratic system.
The election of Comrade Alhassan Yahaya as the new President marks a significant milestone for the NUJ, reflecting a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in journalism.
