Improved welfare, timely salary payments and better working conditions for journalists have topped the priorities of the new Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, Comrade Adewale Akodu, as he assumes office.
Akodu made the pledge on Monday, November 9, 2026, during his swearing-in ceremony at the Council Secretariat, 22 Iyalla Street, Alausa, Ikeja, promising to strengthen advocacy for journalists’ welfare, professional rights and development.
He said his administration would be anchored on three pillars: welfarism, professionalism and capacity building, with particular emphasis on engaging media owners and employers to ensure regular salary payments, improved remuneration and better working conditions.
The new chairman stressed that the union would not remain silent when the welfare, dignity or professional integrity of journalists was threatened.
He said his administration would pursue measurable results through purposeful engagement, strategic partnerships and consistent advocacy, rather than make promises without corresponding action.
Akodu also identified continuous professional development and ethical journalism as priorities, noting that journalists must be equipped with the skills needed to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven media environment.
He pledged to protect members’ professional interests while promoting unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness within the Council.
Calling on members who supported other candidates during the election to join the new administration, Akodu urged journalists to put their differences behind them and work collectively for the progress of the union.
“The campaign is over; the task of building a stronger Union has just begun,” he said.
He described the mandate as a call to service rather than a personal triumph, urging NUJ elders, past leaders, chapel executives, senior journalists and young practitioners to contribute to the success of the administration.
Akodu further promised to strengthen relationships between the Lagos Council, the NUJ National Secretariat, sister state councils, chapels and other stakeholders, while positioning the Council as a credible voice in the media industry.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured members that his administration would confront them with courage, sincerity and determination.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo; NUJ Deputy National President, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde; former national presidents of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Mrs Toro Oladapo and Hajia Ifeanyiwa Omowole; and NUJ Zone B Vice Chairman, Mrs Ronke Samo.
Also present were NUJ elders and leaders, Lagos NAWOJ Chairman, Comrade Jumoke Johnson; immediate past NUJ Lagos Chairman, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi; immediate past Secretary, Comrade Tunde Olalere; members of the outgoing executive and other journalists.