A senior reporter with the Nigerian Tribune, Yomi Ayeleso, has emerged as the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council.
Ayeleso was affirmed unopposed at the chapel’s election held on Tuesday, alongside other members of the new executive committee, to steer the affairs of the chapel for three years.
Other members of the new executive are Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation newspaper, who emerged as Secretary; Yinusa Ishola of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Vice Chairman; and Precious Oke of The Hope, Treasurer.
Presiding over the election, the Chairman of the NUJ Ekiti State Council, Mr Kayode Babatuyi, congratulated the new executives and described the Correspondents’ Chapel as a critical component of the union.
Babatuyi pledged the support of the state council to the new leadership, stressing the need for greater collaboration between the council and the chapel to promote the interests, welfare and professional development of journalists.
He reminded the new executives of their responsibilities to NUJ, particularly in fulfilling their financial and organisational obligations, including the regular payment of check-off dues and other commitments to the union.
The NUJ chairman urged the new leadership to build on the existing relationship between the chapel and the state council, while contributing meaningfully to initiatives aimed at strengthening the journalism profession.
The outgone chairman of the chapel, Mr Raphael Ogbonnaiye, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in his administration during its three-year tenure.
Ogbonnaiye said the chapel recorded significant progress and achievements under his leadership, adding that the accomplishments were made possible through the cooperation and support of members.
Two emeritus chairmen of the chapel, Mr Rotimi Ojomoyela, a former Chairman of the NUJ in Ekiti State, and Mr Yaqoub Popoola, charged the new leadership to remain committed to the progress of the chapel and the welfare of its members.
In his acceptance speech, Ayeleso thanked members of the chapel for the confidence reposed in him and the other members of the executive, promising that the new administration would justify their trust.
He described his emergence as a call to greater service, responsibility and sacrifice, pledging to run an administration anchored on unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
Ayeleso said his administration would prioritise the welfare and professional interests of members, while working to strengthen solidarity within the chapel.
He called for the continued cooperation of members, saying the success of the new administration would depend largely on collective commitment, unity of purpose and the willingness of members to contribute towards the growth of the chapel and the journalism profession. (NAN)
