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Tag: Odusile

  • NUJ President Odusile hopeful of re-election

    •Six jostle to unseat him

    THE incumbent  Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) National President, Waheed Odusile, is hopeful that his achievements will ensure that he is re-elected between today and tomorrow  to serve another term of three years.

    Odusile, who hails from Ogun East, expressed optimism that he would in future emerge the third journalist to govern the state.

    The first journalist to preside over the affairs of the Gateway State was Chief  Olabisi Onabanjo (1979 – 1983) from Ijebu – Ode and followed by former Managing Director of Daily Times of Nigeria Aremo Olusegun Osoba, an Egba son.

    Odusile  is seeking a second term and  will  square it up with six other candidates at the union’s 6th Triennial Delegates Conference slated for Abeokuta, the Ogun capital.

    The six other contestants include: Atunbi Bamidele (Federal Capital Territory (FCT Council), Abiodun Olalere (Osun Council), Chris Iziguzo (Enugu Council), Mike Aladenike (Edo Council), Uzaka Uzaka (Bayelsa Council) and Jacob Edi (FCT Council).

    Odusile, who spoke with reporters in Abeokuta, said his achievements in office in the last three years were manifest demonstration of his competence to further lead the union to a greater height, if re-elected.

    He cited  the biometric data capture of members, which his administration introduced and  the proposed NUJ Television Station that would soon begin  operations as part of his achievements in office.

    “I strongly believe that my chances of winning the election are brighter than all the other contestants because they don’t have the pedigree.

    “With due respect to all of them, they have never done it before. I have been the one there and we have done some certain things, which others have not done before in the history of our union, which our members have applauded.

    “We have been able to introduce the first bio-metric registration and Identity Cards (ID)  to our members. Our International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) that has been operating from rented apartment for years, we have been able to move it to a permanent site and in the process, save the union from the financial burden of N10 million annual rent.

    “This is the first leadership in the history of NUJ that will call out journalists on a successful protest against highhandedness of the media and journalists. We succeeded in getting our members, who were illegally arrested and detained by security agencies, which included the police and the Directorate of State Security (DSS) released. One of them was even awarded damages by the court for illegal detention.

    “These are things, which our co-contestants with due respect to them, have not done. They cannot do it because they don’t have the pedigree. I have listened to some of them and the nearest thing they said was ‘we will improve’. That means they have also acknowledged that we are doing something.

    “So, we believe that with God being on our side, all things being equal, we should triumph over others at the poll.”

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun,  Minister of Information Lai Muhammed and Osoba are among  eminent Nigerians expected at the conference.

    Mohammed is the industry host and Amosun will be the host governor.

    The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo will serve as the royal father.

     

     

  • NUJ’s Radio/TV stations begin operations soon, says Odusile

    THE National Council of National Union of Journalists (NUJ) will soon introduce its radio and television stations into the air waves to boost information dissemination and entertainment.

    Its President , Waheed Odusile broke the news to reporters in Bauchi on Sunday after condoling with the family of the union’s National Secretary General, Shuaibu Usman Leman, over the death of his mother, Mama Jonnah Leman.

    He said the stations are scheduled to begin operations in the next few months.

    When operational, Odusile said it would generate income for the union to effectively discharge its responsibilities.

    Odusile also enjoined working journalists to always ensure they discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the ethics of journalism profession.

    On non-payment of journalists’ salaries and other entitlements, the NUJ National President  expressed concern over the inability of some media owners, especially private owners, to pay their workers’ salaries.

    But he said the union had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to find a lasting solution to the problem.

    He appealed to the Federal Government to consider NUJ’s request for special salaries for working journalists due to the hazardous nature of their duties.

    Odusile, who prayed for departed soul of late Mrs. Leman, thanked God for a life well lived.

    Leman hailed the NUJ delegation for the visit and prayed God Almighty to reward them abundantly.

    He prayed God to grant them safe journey back to their various destinations.

    Other members of the delegation include the union’s Deputy National President, Muktar Gidado; Deputy National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Umar Saidu and the NUJ Bauchi State Chairman Ibrahim Muhammad and others.

  • Dogara hails Odusile’s election as FAJ President

    Dogara hails Odusile’s election as FAJ President

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara has described the election of the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile  as the President, Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) as another landmark achievement for  Nigerian journalists.

    Dogara in a congratulatory message yesterday by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, however advised the new FAJ President to bring his wealth of experience to bear in developing journalism profession and protection of the freedom of the press in Africa.

    Urging Odusile to dedicate his tenure in enhancing professionalism in the continent so as to contribute to the enthronement of democratic culture in Africa, the Speaker also advised him to focus attention on policies and programmes aimed at ensuring the safety and security of journalists who have of late been subjected to all forms of hazards and insecurity in the discharge of their duties.

    The Speaker also lauded FAJ, which is the African regional association of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) for successfully holding its fourth Congress in Abuja.

  • Odusile is African journalists’ president

    Odusile is African journalists’ president

    The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has elected new officers to run its affairs for the next three years.

    Nigerian Union of Journalists president Waheed Odusile was elected president.

    They were elected at its fourth congress held in Abuja from April 29 to 30.

    FAJ, a regional association of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), represents 50,000 journalists in Africa.

    Thirty-four delegates from 22 journalists unions and associations in Africa attended the congress to deliberate on issues affecting journalists and the media on the continent.

    Nine union representatives were elected to a steering committee, namely Odusile (President), Maria Carvalho from Angola (Vice President), Zeid Debbon (Tunisia), Stephen Bwire (Uganda), Foster Dongozi (Zimbabwe), Ibrahima Ndiaye (Senegal), Alexandre Niyungeko (Burundi), Denis Nkwebo (Cameroon) and Moussa Traore (Cote d’ Ivoire).

    Three reserves were elected for the Steering Committee, namely Eduardo Constantino (Mozambique), Abdullai Camara (Liberia) and Franck Kpochere (Benin).

    The delegates unanimously elected five women journalists’ leaders into the Pan- African Gender Council. They are Angela Chishimaba (Zambia), Marion Vivivan (Togo), Aisha Youssouf (Djibouti) and Fatimah Abdulkareem (Nigeria).

    FAJ outlined the safety of journalists, campaign against impunity, gender equality in the media and unions, freedom of information, online safety and the de-criminalisation of libel as priority areas of focus in the next three years.

  • Lawmaker congratulates Odusile

    A member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives,  Hon. Abiodun Dada-Awoleye has congratulated the newly-elected President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Waheed Odusile.

    He also sought the support of the media to ensure the actualisation of his recent sponsored bill at the National Assembly for the establishment of National Assembly broadcast projects.

    The lawmaker urged the new NUJ President to uphold the ethics of journalism profession by ensuring fair play in the discharge of his duties.

    He spoke with journalists in Ibadan on the importance of the National Assembly broadcast project. He said such project will enhance journalism and create job opportunities for professionals in the sector.

    According to him, the motion entitled “Need to Expedite Action on the Establishment of the National Assembly Broadcast Project” was also planned to improve accessibility to lawmakers in their respective constituents through the broadcast media.

    He further explained that the National Assembly Radio and Television project would allow the citizens to be better informed about parliamentary lawmaking processes and also allow them to be familiarised with crucial decisions that directly affect their lives and the society at large.

    “Let me start by congratulating the newly-elected President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Waheed Odusile on his recent victory at the polls. May God help him in discharging his duties. Upholding the ethics of journalism profession will help him to take the noble profession of journalists to the next level.

    “On the establishment of the National Assembly Radio and Television stations, it would help in broadcasting all sittings of the plenary, committee meetings, special committees sittings and other over-sight functions of the legislature. This will therefore enhance citizens’ participation in lawmaking processes and governance in the country,” he said.

    He further said the parliamentary broadcast project will not only enlightened the citizenry but also allow Nigerians in the Diaspora and the international community to participate and collaborate in the workings and activities of the National Assembly.

    “The stations will also broadcast programmes in the Nigerian major languages and have live sign language interpretation for the hearing-impared to also have access to the television.

  • TUC urges Odusile to fight for NUJ members’ welfare

    TUC urges Odusile to fight for NUJ members’ welfare

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has congratulated the new National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Waheed Odusile, urging him to use his position to fight and improve the welfare of journalists.

    In a congratulatory letter signed by the Secretary General of the union, Comrade  Musa Lawal, the TUC said: “On behalf of the President, the National Administrative Council (NAC) and entire members of the Congress, we hereby heartily congratulate you on your recent election as National President of the NUJ. We also felicitate with your union on the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.”

    Lawal said an overview of Odusile’s election manifesto leaves TUC persuaded of his ability to take the practice of journalism to greater levels in Nigeria.  “We trust that you would ensure the entrenchment of professionalism and high ethical standards in the practice of journalism in the country, bearing in mind the fact that mismanagement of information does no society any good,” he said.

    The union implored Odusile to work assiduously to improve the welfare of the NUJ members. “Taking into cognisance the risks involved on the job, a good insurance programme that guarantees the future of journalists would be a welcome initiative.

    “We also urge you to make the issue of training and re-training of journalists a priority during your tenure to ensure that journalists in the country stand tall among their counterparts in other parts of the world and sustain the respect the profession commands globally,” Lasal advised.

    He said the congress is particularly disturbed that several journalists, who are also heads of families, are owed as much as 10 months salaries at a time when their counterparts in other countries are being well taken care of. This is very improper, and we hope your administration will rise up to the challenge,” the union said.

  • Saraki urges Odusile to clean up Nigerian media

    Saraki urges Odusile to clean up Nigerian media

    [dropcap]B[/dropcap]ukola Saraki, President of the Nigerian Senates has congratulated Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile of The Nation Newspapers on his election as the new President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

     

    In his congratulatory message, Saraki urged Odusile to ensure that the profession is rid of quack journalists who often bring disgrace and bad name to the Nigerian media.

     

    From Saraki’s twitter handle:

     

  • Buhari, Ambode, Atiku greet Odusile

    Buhari, Ambode, Atiku greet Odusile

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile, on his electoral victory.

    President Buhari said with his credentials, experience and antecedents as a highly respected and reputable professional, Odusile could be expected to lift the NUJ to greater heights.

    The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, assured Odusile and the newly elected executive officers of the Federal Government’s cooperation.

    He assured the NUJ President and all journalists that his administration will consistently uphold their right to perform their duty without hindrance.

    “The President looks forward to working with Odusile, the NUJ executives and media practitioners as the Federal Government strives to end Boko Haram, improve national security, rebuild and expand national infrastructure, accelerate the pace of economic development and create more jobs.

    “President Buhari wishes Odusile and others a very successful tenure in the service of their profession and country.”

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, praised the peaceful and democratic process that preceded Odusile’s victory.

    The governor urged him to ensure that professionalism and high ethical standards are entrenched in the practice of journalism.

    “I congratulate you on the singular felicity of your emergence as the NUJ Presiden.

    “I urge you to work assiduously to improve the professional standard for the practice of journalism and also ensure that high ethical standards are adhered to.

    “This is the only way to ensure credibility in journalism as the Fourth Estate of the realm,”the governor said.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a statement by his media office in Abuja, said the timing of Odusile’s emergence was significant and momentous.

    The former Vice President urged him to endeavour to key into the desire of the people for Change and good governance.

    Atiku urged him to lead the NUJ to support the Federal Government’s anti- corruption campaign.

    He said Nigerians need probity and transparency in public life, noting that the anti-corruption campaign would register success, if journalists embrace the campaign and use their profession to further the government’s goals.

  • Odusile is new NUJ president

    Odusile is new NUJ president

    • Tinubu, Aregbesola, others congratulate The Nation’s Managing Editor

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile of the Nation Newspapers as its new national president.

    He succeeds Malam Garba Mohammed.

    Odusile was declared winner of the keenly contested election by the returning officer and Director, African Affairs, International Federation of Journalists, Mr. Gabriel Baglow.

    He polled 354 votes at the National Delegates Conference of NUJ in Abuja to defeat his closest opponent, Mr. Rotimi Obamuwagun who got 333 votes.

    Other contestants for the position of the President included Mr. Dele Atunibi, who got 51 votes; USA Uzaka who received 46 votes and Alhaji Mustafa Lamidi who got 12 votes.

    Mr. Mohammad Shu clinched the position of the financial secretary after he secured 454 votes to defeat his contender Mr. Ajayi Olugbenga.

    The post of the National Treasurer went to Mrs. Monica Okechukwu, who got 310 votes to defeat Mr. Garba Iliya and Mr.

    Ambrose Nwachukwu.

    The positions of Deputy National President, National Internal Auditor and the Vice-President, North Central were filled unopposed.

    Mr. Chris Isiguzo was declared winner of the South East Vice-President after he defeated Mr. Goddy Okafor while Aisha Ibrahim clinched the position of Vice-President North East.

    Other officials elected were Opaka Dokubo, Zonal Secretary South South; Mr. Kenneth Ofoma Zonal Secretary, South East while Suleiman Ibrahim emerged Secretary, North East.

    Similarly, Mr. Hakeem Olatidoye emerged Secretary, North Central and Mr. Lawal Afolabi won the post of the Secretary, South West Zone.

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, congratulated Odusile on his election.

    The former governor of Lagos state lauded Odusile and charged him to elevate the standard of journalism in the country.

    “Congratulations to Mr. Odusile for emerging the new NUJ President. Your victory is a validation of your professional stewardship,” Tinubu wrote on his Twitter account.

    He added: “It is also an opportunity for you to elevate the standard of journalism and promote ethical conduct. It is tough assignment.”

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola charged Odusile to set a standard that will give journalists a sense of dignity.

    According to a congratulatory message to Odusile by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola admonished Odusile to ensure professional conduct among journalists.

    He said with the new NUJ leadership, professionalism must be the hallmark of every member as Nigeria enters in to the era of change.

    On his part, Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) said Odusile’s victory had many similarities with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari because it was premised on the need to change the media profession for good.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Odunaro, Yayi, as he is popularly called, said: “I am sure that Odusile’s promise to rid the profession of fake journalists and quackery during his electioneering campaign is the way to go for all lovers of the development of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

    Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Musbau Rasak, said: “Congratulation, my brother for your success at the polls and I am particularly pleased that your election came through a peaceful democratic process.

    “I am really happy, not only for you, but also for the entire body of journalists in Nigeria.”

  • I’ll end quackery, says Odusile

    I’ll end quackery, says Odusile

    A top contender for the post of the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Waheed Odusile, yesterday said he would end quackery in the profession.

    Addressing reporters in Akure during his campaign tour to Ondo State, Odusile, a managing editor of The Nation, lamented that quacks have infiltrated the profession.

    He said the welfare of Journalists would be given priority attention, if he wins the election next week in Abuja.

    In Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Odusile said he would pursue a special media salary structure for journalists.

    The NUJ presidential candidate vowed to sponsor a bill at the National Assembly to criminalise owing media workers.

    He also promised to set up NUJ Radio which, he noted, would provide jobs for members, help in the training of interns and generate income for the union.

    Odusile also emphasised on professionalism with emphasis on training and retraining.

    He maintained that anybody intending to become a journalist must attend NUJ’s International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and receive a certificate to qualify to practise.

    According to him, journalism would no longer be an all-comers’ affair, if he becomes NUJ President as only qualified persons would be allowed to practise in the country.

    He declared his readiness to defend press freedom in Nigeria.