The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council on Monday elected new officials to pilot the affairs of the chapel till 2022.
The chapel, which comprises of 28 members from reputable newspaper establishments in the country, elected Niyi Ajibola of Daily Post as the chapel’s Chairman and Lateef Dada of Blueprint Newspapers as the Secretary.
Ajibola polled 18 votes to defeat his co-contestant, Hameed Oyegbade of Daily Trust, who polled 10 votes.
The newly elected secretary equally scored 19 votes to defeat his opponent, Yinka Salam of the Voice of Nigeria, who scored nine votes.
In his speech, Ajibola promised to redeem the image of the chapel and strive to ensure unity among members.
He said: “I appreciate the confidence repose in me and this exercise has given us the opportunity to move forward in unity.
“We would work together to restore hope and integrity of the chapel and I promise to be a servant leader and uphold high professional standard.”
The state Chairman of NUJ, Kehinde Ayantunji, who witnessed the election, commended members of the Chapel for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the process.
Ayantunji promised that the state council would continue to support the chapel, saying: “It is time all of us must come together as a formidable organisation to redefine our operation and style.”
Bamigbola Gbolagunte, the Zonal Secretary of NUJ, who was also a witness at the election, called on members to unite and continue to be of good example.
Gbolagunte said: “You have shown to politicians that NUJ can serve as good example and conduct a free, fair and peaceful elections.
“The new chairman should carry all members along and give them the opportunity to contribute to the progress and development of the chapel.”
Jide Idowu of the News Agency of Nigeria was returned unopposed as the chapel’s treasurer, while Ayobami Agboola of Oodua News and Yetunde Oladejo of Western Post were also returned unopposed as Assistant Secretary and Financial Secretary respectively.
Michael Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Credential and Election Committee, which conducted the election, said supplementary election would be conducted to fill the vacant posts of the Chapel’s Vice Chairman and Auditor.