Before December 22, 2022, the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was plagued by a self-inflicted three-year crisis.
The crisis, which stemmed from a leadership tussle following inconclusive elections, multiple court injunctions, counter-orders, and judgments, reached its peak in 2022.
Having endured significant setbacks, members of the Council came together with renewed resolve to chart a new path forward.
Thanks to the intervention of the national leadership and veteran journalists from the state, a smooth and credible election was eventually conducted, leading to the emergence of a generally accepted executive led by Comrade Wale Olanrewaju.
As the Wale Olanrewaju-led administration winds down by December 2025, a fresh electioneering process is set to begin. According to the Union’s constitution, elected officers are entitled to two terms of three years each. By this provision, the current administration qualifies for re-election — the question is not just if, but why not?
As the popular saying goes, “One good turn deserves another.” It becomes imperative, therefore, to assess the achievements of the Olanrewaju-led executive to determine whether that first “good turn” truly merits a second.
A Union in Need of Stability
Coming out of crisis, the Union needed a stabilizer — a unifying figure who could hold the various chapels together and restore a sense of direction. Wale Olanrewaju stepped into that role.
The Journey So Far…
The administration has performed admirably and even exceeded expectations. Notably, it secured a brand-new 18-seater Union bus donated by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. In addition, the former Union bus, which was in a state of disrepair, was revived and is now fully functional.
Under Olanrewaju’s leadership, the once-dilapidated Iwe Iroyin Secretariat has undergone remarkable transformation. The remodeling turned the colonial structure into a befitting edifice worthy of journalism. Many have described the facelift as the “8th wonder” of NUJ secretariats across the country.
Infrastructure, Power, and Water
Recognizing the importance of basic amenities, the administration sank the Secretariat’s first-ever functional borehole, ensuring regular water supply — despite financial constraints.
Power supply has also been addressed. A 12kVA solar system, donated by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central), now powers the Secretariat round-the-clock.
Membership Growth and Welfare
Welfare, the backbone of any union, was placed front and center. Through monetary support, as well as the distribution of laptops, grinding machines, and sewing machines, many members have found new streams of income.
The number of chapels under the Council has also grown — from 8 to 15 — placing Ogun NUJ among the leading councils in the country in terms of grassroots reach and organizational expansion.
Unlike previous administrations, the benefits of Council projects under Olanrewaju are tangible and traceable, with direct impact on the lives of members.
Reclaiming the Future
One of the most commendable milestones is the reclamation of the Union’s permanent site at Leme, Abeokuta. Although allocated in 1986, the land had remained undeveloped for decades. Today, a solar-powered borehole, donated by Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), has been installed and is fully operational at the site — setting the stage for future development.
Annual Press Week – Consistency Redefined
The Union’s Press Week — a week-long activity that allows journalists to unwind, interact, and network — has been consistently organized each year under the current leadership. This is an event many other state councils have struggled to maintain. Credit goes to sponsors, committee members, and the leadership for sustaining this tradition.
These and many more achievements, too numerous to list in this space, speak to a pragmatic, visionary, and people-oriented leadership — one that, by all fair judgment, deserves a second term.
What Do You Think?
Does Wale Olanrewaju deserve a second term?
Hakeem Adegbenro is a member of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Ogun State Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
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