Watchtower Publisher Samson Balogun Hails Alakime’s Triumph as Oyo NUJ Chairman
Publisher of Watchtower Media Blog and seasoned media strategist, Samson Anuoluwapo Balogun, has congratulated Akeem Abas, popularly known as Alakime, on his emergence as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Balogun — a broadcast journalist, media consultant and founder of multiple digital news platforms including Watchtower Media Blog — described Alakime’s victory as “a resounding endorsement of competence, integrity and the spirit of progressive unionism.”
According to him, the outcome of the election reflected the overwhelming confidence of journalists across the state in Alakime’s leadership qualities and commitment to raising the standards of journalism practice in Oyo State.
“Alakime’s emergence is not just a win for him, but a win for every journalist who desires a stronger, more professional, more united NUJ,” Balogun stated.
“His track record of ethical journalism, humility and capacity to unify diverse interests makes him the ideal leader for this moment.”
Balogun applauded the new chairman’s promise to prioritize professionalism, welfare and continuous capacity development for union members, noting that such reforms are urgently needed in the evolving media landscape.
He also commended other contestants in the race for sustaining democratic values within the union and urged all stakeholders to support the new leadership for the collective progress of the Oyo NUJ.
Balogun expressed optimism that Alakime’s tenure would usher in reforms that would strengthen newsroom ethics, enhance member welfare and reposition the union as a formidable voice for journalists’ rights and societal accountability.
Goodwill messages have continued to flood in from media professionals, government officials and civil society actors since Alakime’s election, underscoring the high expectations surrounding his administration.