Soliu Owoyabu, Abeokuta
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Ogun state chapter has inaugurated newly elected Excos, as Mrs. Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi became the chairperson.
At the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday 7th of September, 2023 at NUJ Secretariat, Iwe-Iroyin, Okelewo, Abeokuta, the state capital.
The National Vice President (Zone B) of the Association, Mrs. Omobola Akingbeyin appreciated all members for making the event come to reality, stressing that the new Excos cannot do it alone without their support.
She lauded the past Excos of the Association for the weldone job they did during their tenure and enjoined them to support the new Excos.
She implored the new Excos to forget any things that might have happen before they become the leaders of the Association.
“I want to thank all NAWOJ leaders and members in ogun state for deem in fit for the successful of this program. I want to beg you to support the incoming chairperson.
“I want to thank the past Excos for good things they have done. If you did not do it nobody will come to succeed you. May God continue to be with every one of you. Please don’t leave the Association for incoming Excos. You can’t see down and shut your eyes to this one because it is your project.
“To incoming Excos, forget whatever that might happened, i want you to forget it because you have alot of challenges to face, so forget the past issues. Let your program be proud of. This profession can take you to many places if you see yourself as an important persons in the society. Try to identify people that will have impact in NAWOJ and bring them in for the progress of the Association.
“We don’t prepare for leadership but we prepare for challenges that we will face, put yourself foreword. Nobody can put leadership to you, it will show in you if you have it. I’m so passionate about Ogun state because it is the only state that accorded me with support and they speak in one voice.
She however, urged the Excos to conduct bye-election as soon as possible to fill all vacant positions before the Association’s National Election.
In his address, the chairman of Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) Ogun state council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju congratulated the new Excos and narrated what God has used him and his co-excos to do in the council.
He implored the new Excos to unite the Association and paint it with a new and a worthy face.
“I want to congratulate the new Excos i want them to prepare for the work ahead. When we assume office as new excos of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) we met council divided but with the support of Almighty God and good leaders we were able to unit the council.
“I want to implore the new Excos to forget and foregone all what what might have happened during the process that brought you in and move on to the next level. Do it with passion because it is a thankless job; nobody will thank you. I want a Nawoj that I will rely on and please Carry everybody along. I pray to God to support you and i wish you a successful tenure.
In her acceptance speech, the new chairperson of the Association, Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi appreciated the leaders and other members of the Association for their support, saying that it is a new task for her to unite and bring lovely relationship to the Association.
She pledged to make the members to feel among and respected in their choose profession.
She however appreciated those in one way or the other participated in the success of the process that brought the new Excos on board, most especially the NUJ Executives led by Comrade Wale Olanrewaju.
“I feel so honored and humbled to be elected for this esteemed post in NAWOJ. It’s indeed a call to service. Today is not for a lengthy speech, but to celebrate our NAWOJ’s oneness, unity, love and beginning of a new era in Ogun State chapter.
“An era, where every woman journalist in the state will share in the pride and be fulfilled as member of this wonderful, glamorous and ever eloquent association called NAWOJ.
“Posterity will not judge me well, if I fail to specially recognize and appreciate the unprecedented supports, love and encouragements this newly birthed leadership of NAWOJ enjoyed althrough the birthing processes from our parent body in the state, OGUN NUJ ably led by my friend and brother Comrade Wale Olanrewaju. While I sincerely appeal for the continued supports of our parent body (OGUN NUJ), be rest assured of the total corporation of this largely populated subset of our dear NUJ always all ways.