Adewale Akodu has emerged as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, following the council’s election held on Monday, November 9, 2026, taking over the leadership at a time when journalists’ welfare, professional development and working conditions remain major concerns within the media industry.
Akodu, a Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy and former Chairman of the NUJ Lagos Information Chapel, secured 465 votes in the election, against 21 votes recorded for his opponent, Innocent Anaba of the Vanguard Chapel, according to reports by The Sun and Galaxy Television.
A total of 492 votes were cast from 813 registered voters, with 486 declared valid and six rejected.
His emergence brings a new leadership chapter to the Lagos State Council, with expectations centred on how his administration will translate its campaign commitments into practical improvements for journalists across the state.
Welfare, professionalism and capacity building
In his acceptance remarks and subsequent inauguration, Akodu identified welfarism, professionalism and capacity building as the three pillars of his administration.
He pledged to pursue improved working conditions, better remuneration and regular payment of salaries through sustained engagement with media owners and employers.
The new chairman also promised to defend journalists whenever their welfare, dignity, professional rights or integrity came under threat, stressing that the union must be prepared to speak up for its members.
Beyond welfare, he identified continuous professional development and ethical journalism as priorities, noting the need for practitioners to strengthen their skills in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven media environment.
Akodu said his administration would remain committed to the 10-point agenda presented during the election campaign, with a focus on initiatives capable of producing measurable results rather than promises without implementation.
He also pledged to promote transparency, accountability and inclusiveness within the council, assuring members of an open-door administration that would encourage consultation, constructive criticism and participation across the various chapels.
A call for unity after the election
Akodu’s emergence was accompanied by calls for unity among members following the contest.
He appealed to journalists who supported other candidates to put electoral differences behind them and work with the new executive, maintaining that the election should not weaken the professional relationships that bind members of the union.
“The campaign is over; the task of building a stronger Union has just begun,” he said.
He also called on past leaders, NUJ elders, chapel executives, senior journalists and younger practitioners to contribute their experience and ideas towards strengthening the council.
However, the election was not without controversy. While the electoral committee chairman, Wahab Akinlade, described the process as free and fair, The Guardian reported that Anaba, who said he had withdrawn before the election, raised concerns about the delegates’ list and alleged irregularities in the process. The competing accounts make it important for the union to address members’ concerns and build confidence in the new administration.
Taking over from Adeleye Ajayi
Akodu succeeds Adeleye Ajayi, who completed two terms in office after six years as chairman of the Lagos State Council.
The new executive includes Philip Nwosu, returned as Vice Chairman; Olayide Awosanya, Secretary; Adegboyega Oni, Assistant Secretary; Adeola Akindele, Treasurer; Oluwakemi Ishola, Financial Secretary; and Lydia Igbaroola, Auditor, as reported by The Sun.
At his inauguration, Akodu also pledged to strengthen the relationship between the Lagos Council and the NUJ National Secretariat, sister state councils, individual chapels and other stakeholders.
The leadership transition comes with significant expectations. For a council representing journalists in one of Nigeria’s most active media centres, the issues of timely salaries, professional security, ethical standards, training and improved working conditions will remain central to members’ assessment of the new leadership.
Akodu has outlined his priorities. The next test will be how effectively his administration turns those commitments into policies, programmes and tangible improvements in the lives of journalists across Lagos State.
