Comrade Akeem Abas, a chairmanship candidate in the December 9, 2025 election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has declared that he is contesting to further raise the bar in journalism in the state.
He made the declaration while speaking at the flagging off and inauguration of his election campaign team, the Great Minds, held at the Oyo NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
Comrade Abas said his administration, when elected, will prioritise the welfare of journalists and further the development of the profession.
The official flag off of the Comrade Abas-led campaign team, attended by prominent past and present leaders of the NUJ, both in Oyo State and at the federal level, has increased the tempo ahead the election in the state.
With the flag-off, the team officially commenced its campaign ahead of the 2025 NUJ Oyo State Council election, with a promise to elevate professionalism, welfare, and unity within the union.
The event was also described as a renewed call for professionalism, unity, and credible leadership in the Oyo NUJ.
Abas, a senior journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), restated his commitment to “raising the bar and preserving the legacies” of past leaders of the union.
He further emphasised that his aspiration was born out of the desire to build a more inclusive, transparent, and development-oriented Oyo NUJ Council.
He was joined at the flagging off by his running mate, Abiodun Atilola, and other members of the Great Minds Team, including Dayo Daniel Adu (Secretary) and Khalid Imran (Treasurer).
“Our union has a proud heritage, and we must continue to lead as a pace-setter,” he said.
“Leadership in NUJ is not about privilege, but purpose; not ambition, but impact. Together, we can build a union that listens, protects, and delivers for its members.”
Abas pledged to prioritise members’ welfare, invest in capacity-building, modernise union operations, and strengthen ethical standards in journalism practice across the state.
He also called for a campaign, ahead of the December 9 election, devoid of bitterness and division, promising an issue-based approach that would unite members across chapels.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Great Minds Team, Mr. Lekan Shobo Shobowale, declared that the Oyo NUJ is “once again at the threshold of history,” urging members to make the right decision for the union’s future.
“Many administrations in Oyo NUJ have made various impacts, and the outgoing administration, under our leader, Comrade Ademola Babalola, has done exceedingly well.
“But history is again beckoning on us to decide the future of our great union,” Shobowale said.
He added: “I believe God has ordained for us our brother, friend, and colleague, Akeem Babatunde Abas, to steer the affairs of the union at this time.
“A support for Akeem is a support for credible leadership in Oyo NUJ — a leadership that is all-encompassing and not sectional.”
Shobowale further described Abas as “a man of integrity and credibility,” noting that the Great Minds Team represents transparency, openness, and purposeful leadership.
“Our campaign will never engage in blackmail or propaganda. It will be issue-based because no matter where we belong now, we are all one great family.
“Let us support a team that will prioritise members’ welfare and uphold professionalism and ethics in our union. May God bless Oyo NUJ, Oyo State, and all of us,” he added.
Former and present NUJ leaders, including Dr Gbemiga Bamidele, Chief Gbenga Ayoade, Comrade Cosmos Oni, Wumi Faniran, Bisi Yomi-Layinka, and Dapo Falade, among others, also spoke at the event.
They all spoke on the positive track record of Comrade Abas and called for unity and fair play in the forthcoming election.
While Comrade Bisi Yomi-Layinka expressed confidence in Comrade Abas, Chief Ayoade warned against manipulation or imposition of candidates.
In the same vein, while others described Abas as a “tested and trusted professional” with the competence and integrity to lead NUJ, Oyo Council.
