Lagos NUJ elects Akodu as chairman, members seek unity, better welfare
Lagos, Nov.2026 (TBL Africa ) Veteran journalists and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, have described Monday’s council election as peaceful, credible and transparent.
They urged the incoming leadership to prioritise unity and members’ welfare.
The election was held at the council secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, with the chairmanship being the only contested position.
Mr Adewale Akodu of the Lagos State Information Chapel defeated his rival, Mr Innocent Anaba of Vanguard Newspapers, to emerge as the new chairman.
The Akodu polled 465 votes against Anaba’s 21 votes.
The outgoing chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, described the turnout as massive and unprecedented in the history of the council.
He said that the exercise was peaceful and expressed hope that future elections would follow the same pattern.
Mr Korede Ogunbunmi, General Manager of Radio Nigeria 103.5 FM, Lagos, also described the process as peaceful, though slow.
He urged the new executive to unite members and fulfil its campaign promises.
“My advice is that the new executive must unify the council, see all journalists as members of the same family and fulfil its manifesto,” he said.
Mr Gbenga Fatile, General Manager of Bond FM, described the election as credible and commended the accreditation and voting processes.
He urged the new leadership to strengthen partnerships with corporate organisations, government and other stakeholders to improve journalists’ welfare and working conditions.
Mr Biodun Akinbusoye, a former Secretary of the council, also described the election as peaceful and orderly.
He urged the winners to be magnanimous in victory and carry all members along, irrespective of their affiliations during the election.
Akinbusoye identified poor remuneration and unpaid salaries as major challenges facing journalists, urging the incoming leadership to engage media organisations on welfare issues.
“Many media houses don’t pay salaries. That is the issue,” he said.
Mrs Anita Buhari, Chairman of the Lagos Television Chapel, described the exercise as peaceful and well-organised.
She urged the new leadership to prioritise members’ welfare and sustain training and retraining for journalists.
Mrs Bola Akingbade, a former Treasurer of the council, also described the election as free and fair.
She urged the winner to see himself as a rallying point and carry all members along.
“The person should not just see himself as a winner. He should see himself as a rallying point and carry every other person along,” she said.
Mrs Yemisi Dada of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Mrs Grace Alagba of the News Agency of Nigeria Lagos Chapel also described the process as peaceful, fair and seamless.
Mr Sulaimon Saliu of the FMMC Chapel described the exercise as excellent and transparent, noting that most chapels were represented.
Mr Nelson George of the Business Plus Chapel and Mrs Deborah Ochaba of the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Chapel also described the election as free, fair and peaceful.
The journalists expressed optimism that the peaceful atmosphere would be sustained and that the new leadership would work towards a more united and prosperous council.
