... As They Commission Remodelled Secretariat
It was all glitz and glamour as the newly remodelled Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council was commissioned by Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, Founder, of Love of Christ Generation Church along with other dignitaries on Saturday in Lagos.
In his welcome address, Lagos NUJ Chairman Mr. Adeleye Ajayi appreciated everyone for their presence.
“In the name of God the Almighty, it gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone here to witness this landmark event, the completion of the remodelled Lagos NUJ Secretariat made possible by God through His Minister, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi.
“We approached Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, a world-renowned Evangelist and Philanthropist who courtesy of Esther Ajayi Foundation(EAF), assured us that by the Grace of God the Almighty, she would complete the Secretariat.
“I remember vividly that all she required at our first visit to her Church was the architectural drawing of the Secretariat, which she promised to give to her engineer to study.
“We told her we did not want cash and that all we needed was for her to complete the building for us.
“Unexpectedly, our security man just put a phone call across to me in November 2021 that some construction workers had arrived at our Secretariat to start work.
I eventually found out that the engineers and other workers were sent by Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi”.
Lagos NUJ Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi expressed his profound gratitude to Rev. Dr. Olumuyiwa and Rev. Mrs Esther Ajayi for being pillars of support to the Council.
“May God Almighty bless your Ministry and you will never lack. The Goodness and mercy of God will continue to follow your family all the days of your lives.
The NUJ Chairman also appreciated the efforts of the Lagos State Government for their unflinching and financial support towards the remodelled Secretariat.
Ajayi also commended past Chairmen of Lagos NUJ, especially Mrs. Funke Fadugba whose administration bought the original building, while Dr. Qasim Akinreti led Executive started the modelling project in 2019.
“The initial one-storey building that was here was bought by Mrs Olufunke Fadugba-led Executive two decades ago to bring NUJ nearer to the seat of government in Alausa, Ikeja. We thank Mrs Fadugba and her Executive members for this laudable initiative.
“We also commend the last Executive of the union led by Dr Qasim Akinreti that started the remodelling work in 2019” Ajayi added.
On her part, Mrs. Funke Fadugba who spoke on behalf of past Chairmen of the Council said only God could have made this achievement possible.
She recounted how far she led the executive to buy the one-storey building 20 years ago which was commissioned by the Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun at that time, who is seated here as the Father of The Day.
President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris isiguzo( MFR) described the event as one that gladdens the heart.
” I am so excited and filled with Joy to be part of this special event coming after the NUJ Delegates Conference, where the NUJ Constitution was reviewed and strengthened.
” We are not surprised because we all know that Lagos is the heartbeat of Journalism in Nigeria. ” It is a known fact that Lagos Leads and others follow”.
Speaking further, Chief Isoguzo Commended Aremo Olusegun Osoba( CON), for always identifying with NUJ at all times.
Isiguzo equally urged journalists to be professional enough in the discharge of their duties as the 2023 General elections drew nearer, urging them to do whatsoever it will take to have peace and accountability in the land.
Meanwhile, Aremo Olusegun Osoba CON, who was the Father of the Day said he was grateful to God for using Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi to have assisted the Union in making its dreams come through.
Commissioner for Ministry of Information and Strategy Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who represented Lagos State Governor Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged the NUJ to be more committed to Training and retraining of journalists across the country, adding that journalism( reporting) must not die.
The height of the occasion was the conferment of Grand Matron of Lagos NUJ on Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi For Her Commitment & Contributions Towards Humanity by NUJ President Chief Chris Isiguzo and the commissioning of Lagos NUJ Secretariat by Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi in the company of notable dignitaries from all walks of life.
A vote of Thanks was given by Mrs. Nike Sodipo, Chairman Iyalla Building Committee (IBC).
With this new development, Members of Lagos NUJ Council are indeed hopeful, as they look forward to benefiting from more trainings and skills that will help them discharge their duties professionally in the newly remodelled secretariat which is named Ladi Lawal Press Centre.
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