Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Adewale Akodu on his emergence as Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), describing his election as a recognition of his experience, professional competence and longstanding commitment to journalism and public service.
In a congratulatory message, the governor described Akodu’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that his experience in public information management, strategic communication, media relations and union administration had positioned him to provide purposeful leadership for the Lagos NUJ.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Akodu’s career spanning more than two decades in the Lagos State Public Service, particularly his contributions to the Ministry of Information and Strategy and his previous leadership of the Lagos State Information Chapel of the NUJ, demonstrated his capacity to lead, build consensus and advance the interests of the journalism profession.
He expressed confidence that the new chairman would use his experience and understanding of the media landscape to strengthen relations between government and the media, promote responsible journalism and foster mutual respect, constructive engagement and accountability.
The governor also commended Akodu’s commitment to professionalism, journalists’ welfare and capacity development, as outlined in his 10-point agenda. He expressed optimism that the new administration would prioritise the dignity, security and professional advancement of journalists while strengthening the institutional relevance of the union.
He urged Akodu to embrace inclusive leadership, transparency and unity by carrying all members along, irrespective of their affiliations during the election, while building on the achievements of the outgoing administration.
Sanwo-Olu further encouraged the new chairman to leverage the NUJ’s strategic position as a stakeholder in governance and democratic development to promote credible information, combat misinformation and improve public understanding of government policies, programmes and initiatives.
He assured the Lagos NUJ of his administration’s continued recognition of the media as an indispensable partner in promoting good governance, transparency and sustainable development, stressing the importance of a vibrant, independent and responsible press in building a Greater Lagos.
The governor wished Akodu and members of the newly inaugurated executive council a successful tenure, urging them to make members’ welfare, professional excellence and the collective advancement of journalism the defining priorities of their administration.
