Oyo NUJ Begins 60th Anniversary Celebration with Thanksgiving, Bishop Adelakun Charges Journalists to Remain Hopeful
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has officially commenced activities marking its 60th anniversary, otherwise known as the Diamond Jubilee, with a thanksgiving service held at Victory International Church, Wonder City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The thanksgiving service, which attracted journalists from across Oyo State, was attended by the State Council Chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, members of the State Executive Council, chapel leaders and executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), among other members of the union.
Delivering a sermon entitled **”The Story and Glory,”** the Founder and Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, reflected on his personal, family and ministerial journey, highlighting the challenges, struggles and difficult experiences that preceded the achievements and testimonies of God’s faithfulness in his life.
The cleric, who shared different phases of life he and his wife had experienced, emphasised the importance of cultivating an attitude of gratitude to God, irrespective of prevailing circumstances, noting that thanksgiving should not be limited to moments of success and abundance.
He urged the congregation to remain steadfast, focused and persistent in the pursuit of their respective goals, warning against discouragement and unnecessary stagnation. According to him, every stage of life has its appointed season, and individuals must remain committed to their purpose while trusting God for the fulfilment of their aspirations.
Bishop Adelakun further admonished the congregation not to give up on themselves or allow life’s challenges to overwhelm them, stressing that God’s timing might not always align with human expectations. He maintained that although people might sometimes struggle to understand the circumstances surrounding their lives, everything becomes beautiful in its appointed time.
He encouraged Christians and members of the congregation to sustain their faith in God, exercise patience and remain appreciative of His goodness, regardless of the challenges they encounter along their individual journeys.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr Akeem Abas, described the 60th anniversary as a remarkable milestone in the history of the union, noting that the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the council’s legacy, achievements and contributions to the development of journalism in Nigeria.
Abas recalled that the Oyo State Council was the first state council of the NUJ to be established in the country, describing the anniversary as a moment of pride and renewed responsibility for journalists in the state.
He explained that the Diamond Jubilee was not merely a celebration of years of existence but also an opportunity to assess the council’s historical contributions to the journalism profession and reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct, responsible journalism and strict adherence to the legal and regulatory standards governing media practice.
The NUJ chairman also expressed appreciation to Almighty God for His protection over journalists in Oyo State, particularly in the discharge of their professional responsibilities, while praying for continued divine guidance, protection, wisdom and strength for members of the union.
The thanksgiving service formally ushered in a series of activities lined up for the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, marking six decades of professional journalism, institutional development and contributions to society.
The week-long celebration is expected to provide an opportunity for journalists, stakeholders and other relevant groups to reflect on the union’s journey, celebrate its achievements and consider the future of journalism in Oy
o State and Nigeria at large.