From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), Kwara State chapter, has inaugurated a new set of executives, with Alhaji Mohammed Akanbi assuming office as chairman and promising transparent leadership while calling on the state government to recognise experienced journalists in future political appointments.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Press Centre in Ilorin, where members of the association of senior and retired journalists gathered alongside government officials, media executives and stakeholders.
The new executives were sworn in by retired Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official, Barrister Jacob Ayanda, following the successful conduct of the association’s election by the Electoral Committee headed by Alhaji Yinusa Giwa, with Hajia Balikis Oladimeji serving as secretary and Rev. Felix Ajide as a member.
Other members of the executive include Comrade Olu Ajayi as vice chairman, Christy Doyin as secretary, Rev. Felix Ajide as assistant secretary, Alhaji Sule Sabi as treasurer, Alhaja Jumoke Adeyemi as financial secretary, Mr Gbenga Olarinoye as welfare officer and Alhaji Abdullahi Olesin as publicity secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Akanbi pledged to run the affairs of the association with accountability and openness while reaffirming the league’s commitment to members’ welfare.
He noted that the association had prioritised the wellbeing of its members by facilitating their enrolment in the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme and organising regular health awareness programmes.
“We have remained committed to the welfare of our members through health insurance enrolment and periodic health talks. As we begin this new administration, I pledge to be accountable and ensure transparency in the management of the association,” Akanbi said.
The NALVEJ chairman also commended the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the prompt payment of salaries to journalists employed by the state government and for approving a peculiar allowance for journalists in state-owned media organisations.
He, however, appealed to the governor to consider qualified members of the league for political appointments whenever the state cabinet is reconstituted.
Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, praised members of NALVEJ for their continued support for the policies and programmes of the state government.
Represented by the Director of Information, Mr Ademola Olarewaju, the commissioner assured journalists that the government would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the media.
“The state government appreciates the support of veteran journalists and will continue to work closely with the media in promoting development across Kwara,” Olarewaju said on behalf of the commissioner.
The Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ahmed AbdulLateef, also commended members of the veteran journalists’ body for their guidance and contributions to the journalism profession.
Represented by the NUJ Vice Chairman, Alhaja Binta Mora, AbdulLateef assured the association of the union’s continued cooperation and support.
Goodwill messages were delivered by former Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Hameed Adio; General Managers of UNILORIN FM and Harmony FM, Idofian, Alhaji Ibrahim Akintola (Idris Aloma) and Alhaja Binta Mora, as well as former Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Segun Adeyemi, who all congratulated the new leadership and urged the executives to sustain the association’s legacy of professionalism and service.
