The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) opened its 2026 Press Week on Monday at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, marking the Oyo NUJ 60th Anniversary. Governor Seyi Makinde, the council’s Grand Patron, was not at the ceremony and did not send a representative.
Council Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, said the state government received a formal invitation well in advance. He noted that over the past six years the governor had either opened the event in person or sent a representative.
Former NUJ National President, Prince Lanre Ogundipe, declared the event open on behalf of the current National President, Alhassan Yahya. Ogundipe commended the council for reaching six decades of operation and described it as the oldest NUJ council in the country.
Oyo NUJ Reaffirms Its Professional Role
Abas said the governor’s absence would not affect the council’s work. He added that journalists would continue to hold public officers accountable to the electorate.
“We will continue to practise our profession ethically, without fear or favour, irrespective of whose ox is gored,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the executive’s commitment to members’ welfare, press freedom, career development and institutional growth.
Babarinsa Delivers Keynote at Oyo NUJ 60th Anniversary
Veteran journalist and Chairman of Gaskia Media Limited, Chief Dare Babarinsa, delivered the keynote address on the theme “Six Decades of Legacy, Milestones and Lessons for the Future.
Babarinsa called for the preservation of Nigeria’s North-South presidential rotation, which he described as important to national unity and political stability. He urged journalists to defend democratic institutions, adopt digital technology and create more opportunities for women and younger practitioners.
He cautioned that traditional newsrooms could lose relevance if they do not adapt to technological change. He described journalists as custodians of national memory and encouraged them to continue contributing to nation-building.
Former Council Leaders Comment
A former council chairman, Comrade Adewumi Faniran, expressed disappointment at the governor’s non-attendance. He recalled that political leaders, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, publicly endorsed Makinde at the council’s Dapo Aderogba Hall on March 5, 2019, days before the March 9 governorship election.
“It is a great disappointment that the same governor was not part of this anniversary and did not even send any representative,” Faniran said. “This union played a significant role in Makinde’s emergence as governor.”
Another former chairman, Mogaji Soladoye Adewole, and former NUJ Zone B Vice-President, Mogaji Cosmas Oni, commended Babarinsa’s lecture. They also praised the current executive for its upkeep and development of the press centre facilities.
Monarch Urges Ethical Use of AI
The Onigbeti of Igbeti Kingdom, Oba Bashir Abioye, congratulated the union on 60 years of service. He encouraged journalists in Oyo State to adopt artificial intelligence while maintaining professional ethics and Omoluabi values. He also urged practitioners to use their platforms to promote good governance and social development.
