NUJ Strengthens Southwest Voice, Inaugurates Two National Officers, Appoints Two Special Advisers at Kano NEC
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has further boosted its leadership representation in the Southwest with the inauguration of two new national officers and the appointment of two special advisers from Zone B during its ongoing National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kano State.
From the Ogun State Council, Mr. James Sowole was officially sworn in as National Ex-Officio for Zone B, a position that gives him a voice in key policy decisions of the Union. Representing the Oyo State Council, Mr. Seye Ojo also took the oath of office as Zonal Trustee for the zone, solidifying the region’s stake in the NUJ’s top decision-making body.
The ceremony was not limited to elective positions. In a move aimed at injecting more expertise into the Union’s advisory system, NUJ National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, appointed Mrs. Deola Ekinne, a respected former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Lagos, as Special Adviser on Women Affairs. Her mandate will include advancing gender inclusivity and ensuring that female journalists are better represented and supported nationwide.
Also named was Mr. Rotimi Ojomoyela, former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council, who will serve as Special Adviser on Labour Matters. His role is expected to involve navigating labour-related issues within the journalism profession, engaging with government and private stakeholders, and safeguarding the welfare of NUJ members.
Speaking at the inauguration, NUJ President, Chief Isiguzo, congratulated the four appointees and commended their dedication to the ideals of the Union. He urged them to leverage their wealth of professional and leadership experience to strengthen the NUJ’s operations, especially in championing press freedom, professional ethics, and members’ welfare.
“The NUJ needs individuals who will work selflessly to sustain the integrity of the profession. I have no doubt that these appointments will further enhance our capacity to serve our members and protect the dignity of journalism in Nigeria,” Isiguzo stated.
The Zonal Vice President for Zone B, Princess Ronke Afebioye Samo, also celebrated the development, describing the newly inaugurated officers and advisers as “the right pegs in the right holes.” She expressed confidence that their presence in the national leadership structure would lead to more impactful representation for the Southwest.
The NEC meeting in Kano, which brings together leaders from all six NUJ zones, continues to serve as a strategic platform for discussing the Union’s challenges, policies, and future directions. The addition of these four Southwest representatives is seen as a significant win for Zone B, ensuring that its voice remains strong in national deliberations.
With these appointments, the NUJ has once again demonstrated its commitment to inclusive governance, balanced representation, and strategic leadership renewal. Members across the Southwest are now looking forward to seeing tangible outcomes from the newly empowered team as they contribute to the Union’s mission of building a stronger, united, and progressive journalism body in Nigeria.