The race for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday as the Great Minds Team, led by Mr. Akeem Babatunde Abas, officially launched its campaign and inaugurated its council in Ibadan.
The event, which drew journalists from across various chapels, veteran media professionals, and past union leaders, carried an air of renewal — a collective call for professionalism, unity, and credible leadership within the Oyo NUJ.
Abas, a senior journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), used his declaration speech to set a tone of service and transformation.
He said his aspiration was rooted in the desire to build a more inclusive, transparent, and forward-thinking council that reflects the dignity and heritage of the profession.
“Our union has a proud heritage, and we must continue to lead as a pace-setter,” he said. “Leadership in NUJ is not about privilege but purpose not ambition, but impact. Together, we can build a union that listens, protects, and delivers for its members.”
Abas pledged to prioritize welfare, enhance capacity building, modernize the union’s administrative systems, and reinforce ethical standards in journalism practice across Oyo State.
Flanked by his running mate, Abiodun Atilola, and other members of the Great Minds Team including Dayo Daniel Adu (Secretary) and Khalid Imran (Treasurer), Abas appealed for a campaign devoid of bitterness, promising an issue-based engagement that would strengthen unity across all NUJ chapels.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Lekan “Shobo” Shobowale, in his opening remarks, described the Oyo NUJ as “once again standing at the threshold of history.”
He urged members to choose leadership that would consolidate the progress made under the outgoing administration of Comrade Ademola Babalola while steering the union toward a new phase of growth.
“Many administrations in Oyo NUJ have made remarkable impacts, and the outgoing leadership has done exceedingly well.
“But history is again beckoning on us to decide the future of our great union. I believe God has ordained our brother, Akeem Babatunde Abas, to lead at this time. A support for Akeem is a support for credible, all-encompassing leadership,” Shobowale said.
He described Abas as “a man of integrity and credibility,” insisting that the Great Minds Team stands for transparency, openness, and purpose-driven leadership.
“Our campaign will never indulge in blackmail or propaganda. We will focus on ideas because, regardless of affiliations, we are all one big family. Let us support a team that values welfare, professionalism, and ethics in our union,” Shobowale added.
Former NUJ leaders, including Chief Gbenga Ayoade, Comrade Cosmos Oni, Wumi Faniran, Bisi Yomi-Layinka, and Dapo Falade, also lent their voices at the event, commending Abas’s dedication to the profession and urging members to uphold unity and fairness in the coming election.
Chief Ayoade cautioned against any attempt at manipulation or imposition, while others described Abas as a “tested and trusted professional” capable of offering steady and credible leadership.
With the flag-off now complete, the Great Minds Team officially enters the race with a clear message of professionalism, welfare, and unity remain at the center of its campaign as the 2025 Oyo NUJ election draws near.