A newly inaugurated leadership of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), Kwara State chapter, has appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to consider experienced retired journalists for political appointments as the state prepares to reconstitute its cabinet.
The appeal was made on Wednesday in Ilorin by the newly elected chairman of the association, Alhaji Mohammed Tunde Akanbi, shortly after he and other members of the executive committee were sworn into office at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre.
Barrister Jacob Ayanda, a retired official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), administered the oath of office on the new executives during the inauguration ceremony organised by the association’s Electoral Committee.
The committee was chaired by Alhaji Yinusa Giwa, with Hajia Balikis Oladimeji serving as secretary, while Rev. Felix Ajide was a member.
Other members of the new executive include Comrade Olu Ajayi as Vice Chairman, Christy Doyin as Secretary, Rev. Felix Ajide as Assistant Secretary, Alhaji Sule Sabi as Treasurer, Alhaja Jumoke Adeyemi as Financial Secretary, Mr Gbenga Olarinoye as Welfare Officer and Alhaji Abdullahi Olesin as Publicity Secretary.
Speaking after taking the oath of office, Akanbi said the association had continued to prioritise the welfare of its members through healthcare initiatives, including enrolling members in the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme and organising regular health talks.
He pledged to lead the association with transparency and accountability.
“I will ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the affairs of the association,” Akanbi assured members.
The NALVEJ chairman also commended the Kwara State Government for the prompt payment of salaries to journalists in its employment and the approval of a peculiar allowance for journalists working in state-owned media organisations.
He, however, appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to extend opportunities to members of the league when making future political appointments.
“I appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to consider qualified members of our association for political appointments during the reconstitution of the state cabinet,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, commended members of NALVEJ for their continued support for the administration.
Represented by the Director of Information, Mr Ademola Olarewaju, the commissioner assured journalists that the state government would continue to work closely with the media.
She said, “The Kwara State Government appreciates the support of veteran journalists and will continue to partner with them in advancing development in the state.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Ahmed AbdulLateef, also praised members of NALVEJ for their valuable guidance to the union over the years.
Represented by the NUJ Vice Chairman, Alhaja Binta Mora, AbdulLateef reaffirmed the union’s commitment to sustaining cordial relations with the association.
Several dignitaries delivered goodwill messages at the ceremony, including former Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Hameed Adio; the General Managers of UNILORIN FM and Harmony FM, Idofian, Alhaji Ibrahim Akintola (Idris Aloma) and Alhaja Binta Mora; as well as the former Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Segun Adeyemi.