Oyo NUJ Chairmanship Candidate, Akeem Abas Vows to Declare State of Emergency on Professionalism if He is Elected

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

A chairmanship aspirant in the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akeem Abas (Alakime), has pledged to declare a “state of emergency on professionalism” on his inauguration day when elected Chairman of the council.

Abas said his administration would prioritise training, ethical standards, and professional development across chapels. 

Alakime, a Bloomberg scholar and Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) made the pledge while addressing members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Ibadan.

He emphasised that journalists must be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to operate effectively, especially at a time when media credibility is under increased scrutiny. 

He added that he remained open to scrutinisation by journalists, insisting that all candidates should be thoroughly assessed to guide members toward an informed choice. According to him, his team is committed to implementing all items on its agenda for the union.

“We need to build a union we can truly call our own,” he said. “NUJ cannot continue to go cap in hand, seeking support whenever the need arises. We must strengthen our internal capacity and improve the welfare of our members.”

Abas reaffirmed that the welfare of journalists would be central to his administration’s plans, promising a more vibrant, accountable, and self-sustaining union.

In an unprecedented development, veterans and elders of the Chapel prayed and invoked blessings on members of the Great Minds' Team ahead of the December 9 election.