Comrade Alhassan Yahya has emerged as the new National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Yahaya was declared the National President on Thursday morning by the Comrade Mike Ikeogwu, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, at the 8th Triennial Delegates’ Conference of the Union in Owerri, the Imo State capital. He succeeds Comrade Chris Isiguzo.
Ikeogwu announced Yahaya’s victory after he polled 436 votes to defeat his opponents: Comrade Bamidele Atunbi, former National Treasurer of the Union, who garnered 97 votes while Comrade Garba Mohammed, scored 39 votes.
Yahya had previously served as the NUJ’s Deputy National President.
Ikeogwu formally declared Yahya, from Gombe State, as the duly elected National President of the NUJ amid cheers from delegates.
“By the powers vested in me as Chairman of the electoral committee, I hereby declare that Alhassan Yahya, having polled the highest number of votes, is returned as President of the NUJ for the next three years,“ he said.
Comrade Yahya’s election as the new National President of the NUJ makes him the first president from the North East region.
According to the NUJ constitution, Yahya will serve a three-year term in office.
In his acceptance, Yahya pledged to “uphold the constitution of the NUJ with all fairness, equity, and justice” while carrying out his responsibilities.
Also elected unopposed was Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who became the first female deputy national president of the NUJ.
Oyetunde, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Bronze FM in Edo State and a former member of the Union’s Board of Trustees, expressed her commitment to advancing the Union’s goals.
Several other National Officers were also elected unopposed, including Comrade Victor Ndukwe, the former Chairman of the Abia State Council, who was re-elected as National Treasurer.
Also, Comrade Ronke Samo was re-elected unopposed as Vice President of the B-Zone (Southwest), and Comrade Eze Adiukwu was elected unopposed as Zonal Secretary for the Southeast.
Meanwhile, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and the state’s council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ have hailed the victory Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi at the NUJ election, describing it as a proud moment for Gombe State.
The governor also expressed profound joy over Alhassan’s resounding victory at the just concluded 8th Triennial Delegates Conference in Owerri, describing it as a remarkable achievement and a source of immense pride for the state and the entire journalism community.
The Governor praised Comrade Alhassan’s journey and impressive rise in NUJ leadership, saying it is an indication of the strong values of leadership, determination, and excellence he embodied.
“From your humble beginning at the chapel level to your stellar service at the state, zonal, and national levels, you have consistently demonstrated unmatched courage, integrity, and passion for the cause of journalism and the welfare of journalists.
“Your election as the National President of the NUJ is a reflection of the trust journalists across Nigeria have in your capacity to lead. Your commitment, integrity, and vision have made you a shining example of what it means to be a leader in the field of journalism,” the Governor remarked.
He gave Comrade Yahya the assurances of the support, solidarity and goodwill of his administration and the people of Gombe State, as he assumes the important role.
The Gombe State Governor expressed confidence in comrade Yahya’s ability to unite and lead the NUJ toward progress and professionalism.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, noted that Alhassan’s election as the National President of NUJ comes at a critical time when strong, visionary leadership is needed to unite and propel the media industry towards addressing the nation’s developmental challenges.
Gombe State NUJ Council
Also, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Mr. Faruk Mu’azu Gombe and the Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Umar, said Comrade Yahya’s emergence as the winner with an overwhelming majority, at the conference, which took place on November 27, 2024, was a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the union.
The statement made on behalf of the Gombe State NUJ Council, extended its deepest appreciation to the Gombe State delegates, who exhibited patience, understanding, and solidarity throughout the event, by supporting Comrade Yahya.
It said the victory was not only a triumph for Comrade Yahya, but also a reflection of the trust and confidence that the union has in his leadership. We are confident that he will continue to champion the cause of journalists and promote the values of the union.
The Gombe State Council congratulated Comrade Alhassan Yahya on his well-deserved victory and look forward to working with him to advance the interests of journalists in the state and beyond.
Correspondents chapel
The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Gombe State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has congratulated the NUJ on the outcome of their eighth triennial delegates’ conference which saw the election of Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi as President.
A congratulatory statement signed by the Chairperson, Ms. Hajara Usman Leman and the Secretary, Mr. Peter Uwumarogie, says the Correspondents’ Chapel sees the victory as a new chapter that would birth unity, professionalism, inclusiveness and transparency within the NUJ family.
“Knowing the antecedent of Alhassan, we are very much confident that the victory would trigger improvement in the welfare of journalists in the country as he is renowned for mobilising all necessary resource and connection towards ensuring that his vision for colleagues were actualised,” the state said.
It said Comrade Alhassan’s election was a symbol of the trust that journalists across the country had in him and his leadership ability to deliver.
While we congratulate the new NUJ President, the Gombe Correspondents’ Chapel also thanked all the delegates that gave him the mantle to lead the NUJ family, saying “no doubt, they will have good returns on their electoral investment in Comrade Alhassan.
The statement said it is a new era that will herald greatness in all spheres for journalists.
