A Deputy Director of News, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Leye Ajayi has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Ajayi defeated the incumbent Chairman Dr. Qasim Akinreti with 370 votes to 68 votes during the election held on November 26, 2020.
Kasim Tunde Olalere of the Lagos Television (LTV) was elected Secretary after defeating Raymond Tedunjaye of New Nigeria Newspaper, while Innocent Anaba of Vanguard Newspaper was elected Financial Secretary.
Abiola Beckley of Daar Communications was returned unopposed as Vice Chairman of the Council.
In his speech after the swearing-in, Ajayi thanked all members of the union who turned out for the election describing his victory as one for all.
He said his victory was a collective achievement and promised the new executive will execute the mandate in the overall interest of the union.
“Now that the election is over, I want to appeal to all of us to put the campaigns behind and let us rally round the new EXCO as we begin this journey together. Members inputs will be most needed as we move forward and I implore those who will be called upon to serve in one way or the other to get prepared.
“We accept this mandate with the full understanding of the concomitant responsibilities and I, on behalf of other EXCO members, pledge our commitment to provide a responsive and responsible leadership for the Council.”
He extended a hand of fellowship to Dr Akinreti, Comrade Tedunjaiye and Comrade Iyabo Wale-Eri and commended their doggedness for putting up a spirited fight.
