Alakime Sweeps Oyo NUJ Poll, Becomes New Chairman
Akeem Abas, popularly known in media circles as Alakime, has emerged the new Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, following a tightly contested election that drew wide interest across the state’s media community.
The exercise, held on Tuesday in Ibadan, produced Alakime as the preferred choice of journalists who described the vote as a “renewed mandate for professionalism, transparency, and stronger unionism.”
Alakime, a senior correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), won on the strength of what supporters called his “practical vision” for repositioning the Oyo NUJ. His campaign message — centred on welfare, capacity building, and restoring ethical journalism — resonated with many chapels across the state.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman vowed to “declare a state of emergency on professionalism,” promising consistent training workshops, improved welfare structures, and programmes aimed at raising ethical standards in newsrooms statewide. He also reiterated his plan to introduce a food-bank initiative to support struggling journalists.
Stakeholders present at the election described his emergence as timely and necessary. Many expressed confidence that his leadership would restore stability and usher in “a more responsive, member-driven union.”
Alakime now takes over the reins of the Oyo NUJ at a time when journalists face increasing economic pressure, shrinking media revenues, and safety concerns in the line of duty. Expectations from his administration remain high as media professionals look forward to reforms that strengthen both welfare and professional excellence.
With his victory, the Oyo NUJ Council begins a new chapter expected to shape the next phase of journalism practice in the state.