The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for appointing two of its former state secretaries as permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service, marking a historic milestone in the union’s history.
The appointees, Rotimi Babalola, who served as NUJ State Secretary from 2010 to 2016, and Adeola Oduola, Assistant State Secretary from 2016 to 2019 and State Ex-Officio from 2019 to 2022, are celebrated figures within the union for their longstanding contributions to journalism and the NUJ in Oyo State.
In a statement signed by the council’s chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, and secretary, Sola Oladapo, the union described the appointments as a testament to Governor Makinde’s commitment to the welfare and recognition of journalists in the state.
The statement read, “This development is unprecedented in the annals of the NUJ in Oyo State. Governor Makinde has consistently demonstrated his unwavering support for the union, from hosting the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NUJ to implementing various initiatives that have strengthened the media landscape in the state.”
Highlighting the governor’s contributions, the union noted that Makinde had, in the past, built a science laboratory complex for the NUJ-owned Pen Group of Schools, sponsored capacity-building workshops for journalists, donated a brand-new bus to the council, and provided financial support for numerous local and national union events.
“Governor Makinde’s recognition as the Best Media-Friendly Governor in 2022 was no accident,” the statement continued. “He has set a standard of excellence and inclusivity that other leaders should emulate. His decision to appoint two of our own as permanent secretaries is further evidence of his appreciation for the contributions of journalists to societal development.”
The NUJ Southwest leaders, comprising representatives from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states, also lauded the governor’s efforts during their recent meeting, describing him as a trailblazer among his peers for hosting an unprecedented NEC meeting in Ibadan in 2024.
As the new year begins, the Oyo NUJ expressed optimism that Governor Makinde’s administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of journalists while fostering a robust and vibrant media sector in the state.
