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The Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos Council on Thursday elected Mr. Philip Nwosu of the Sun Newspapers and the immediate past Assistant Secretary of the union as its new vice chairman.
Philip Nwosu defeated his only opponent in the election, the immediate past Treasurer, Iyabo Ogunjuyigbe with a margin of over 90 votes in the election which drew many journalists from various part of the state to the secretariat of the NUJ in Alausa
The new Vice Chairman of the Lagos NUJ, Mr Philip Nwosu polled 277 as against 183 scored by Mrs Ogunjuyigbe.
Both candidates campaigned for the office of Vice Chairman as if the contest was for the position of Chairman, as they visited all chapel telling all their members at the chapel what they will do to elevate the profession of journalism.
Speaking with journalists after the election, the new Vice Chairman of the Lagos NUJ promised to work with the Chairman Mr Adeleye Ajayi to ensure that the welfare of journalists in Lagos is properly addressed.
He promised that the training of journalists which had been started by the Adeleye Ajayi administration would be intensified in the next three years.
The result of the election which was announced on Thursday evening sparked celebrations among journalists who see Nwosu’s win as a promising development for the future of journalism in Lagos.
Nwosu, an experienced journalist with an impressive track record, secured the position with a significant mandate from the NUJ members. His campaign focused on transparency, accountability, and the need for a united and empowered journalistic community.
In his victory speech, Nwosu expressed gratitude to the NUJ members for their support and trust in his leadership. He outlined his vision for the union, emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges faced by journalists in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the faith you have placed in me. This victory is not just mine; it belongs to every journalist who strives for truth and integrity. Together, we will work towards creating a more conducive environment for journalism to thrive,” Nwosu said.
NUJ, a professional association for journalists in Nigeria, plays a crucial role in advocating for press freedom, protecting the rights of journalists, and promoting ethical journalism standards. The Vice Chairman position holds significant responsibility in guiding the union towards these goals.
Nwosu’s victory is seen as a positive step towards revitalizing the NUJ and addressing the pressing issues faced by journalists in Lagos. His platform included plans for professional development programmes, collaboration with media organizations, and efforts to enhance the working conditions of journalists.
Several prominent journalists and media personalities congratulated Nwosu on his win, expressing optimism about the positive changes he could bring to the NUJ.
All other officers were elected unopposed.
Adeleye Ajayi was returned unopposed as Chairman, so also was Tunde Olalere returned unopposed as Secretary.
Other members of the Exco contested for different offices and were elected unopposed.
The only member of the previous Exco who did not contest the election was the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Abiola Beckley who served two terms as Vice Chairman, first under Dr. Qasim Akinreti and the current Chairman Adeleye Ajayi.
