A senior reporter with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper, ‘Yomi Ayeleso, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council.
Ayeleso was affirmed unopposed at the chapel’s election held on Tuesday, alongside other members of the new executive committee, to steer the affairs of the chapel for the next three years.
His emergence makes him the youngest chairman to lead the Correspondents’ Chapel in the state, coming at a time when the journalism profession is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital technology, changing media consumption patterns and growing demands for professional and ethical journalism.
Other members of the new executive are Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation newspaper who emerged as Secretary; Yinusa Ishola of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Vice Chairman; and Precious Oke of The Hope, Treasurer.
Presiding over the election, the Chairman of the NUJ Ekiti State Council, Kayode Babatuyi, congratulated the new executives and described the Correspondents’ Chapel as a critical component of the union and an important platform for the advancement of journalism in the state.
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Babatuyi pledged the support of the state council to the new leadership, stressing the need for greater collaboration between the council and the chapel to promote the interests, welfare and professional development of journalists.
He also reminded the new executives of their responsibilities to the NUJ, particularly in fulfilling their financial and organisational obligations, including the regular payment of check-off dues and other commitments to the union.
The NUJ chairman urged the new leadership to build on the existing relationship between the chapel and the state council, while contributing meaningfully to initiatives aimed at strengthening the journalism profession.
The outgone chairman of the chapel, Rafael Ogbonnaiye, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in his administration during its three-year tenure.
Ogbonnaiye said the chapel recorded significant progress and achievements under his leadership, adding that the accomplishments were made possible through the cooperation and support of members.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the new executives to consolidate the gains of the past administration and take the chapel to greater heights.
Two emeritus chairmen of the chapel, Rotimi Ojomoyela, a former Chairman of the NUJ in Ekiti State, and Yaqoub Popoola, charged the new leadership to remain committed to the progress of the chapel and the welfare of its members.
They urged the executives to introduce innovative ideas capable of responding to the changing realities of the media industry, while making the welfare and professional advancement of members central to their administration.
The former chairmen also advised the new executives to promote unity, mutual respect and cooperation among members, noting that a strong and united chapel would be better positioned to protect the interests of journalists and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
Responding, Ayeleso thanked members of the chapel for the confidence reposed in him and the other members of the executive, promising that the new administration would justify their trust.
He described his emergence as a call to greater service, responsibility and sacrifice, pledging to run an administration anchored on unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
Ayeleso said his administration would prioritise the welfare and professional interests of members, while working to strengthen solidarity within the chapel.
He promised to protect the professional rights and interests of members and create an environment where journalists could discharge their duties effectively without compromising the ethics and standards of the profession.
The new chairman also pledged to strengthen the existing relationship between the Correspondents’ Chapel, the Ekiti State Government and other relevant stakeholders, stressing that constructive engagement remained essential to promoting development and ensuring effective journalism in the state.
He further assured members that the new executive would explore opportunities for professional capacity building, improved welfare and stronger institutional partnerships that would enhance the relevance and visibility of the chapel.
Ayeleso called for the continued cooperation of members, saying the success of the new administration would depend largely on collective commitment, unity of purpose and the willingness of members to contribute towards the growth of the chapel and the journalism profession in Ekiti State.