The Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Akeem Abas, has expressed disappointment over the absence of Governor Seyi Makinde at the opening ceremony of the council’s 60th anniversary celebration and 2026 Press Week in Ibadan.
The ceremony, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Dapo Aderogba Hall of the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, brought together veteran journalists, former union leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to celebrate six decades of journalism and professional unionism in Oyo State.
Governor Makinde, who is the Grand Patron of the Oyo NUJ Council, was conspicuously absent from the event and reportedly did not send a representative.
According to the editor of ReportersAtLarge, the state government had received a formal invitation to the anniversary programme ahead of the event.
The editor also noted that the governor’s absence was a departure from previous years, when Makinde either personally attended the Press Week opening or delegated a representative.
Akeem Abas reacts to Makinde’s absence
Speaking at the event, Abas expressed disappointment over the governor’s failure to attend the ceremony, despite the invitation extended to him by the council.
The NUJ chairman, however, maintained that the development would not distract the union from its responsibility to defend press freedom, promote accountability and uphold the principles of professional journalism.
He reiterated that journalists would continue to hold public office holders accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations or positions in government.
Abas also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to journalists’ welfare, professional development, institutional growth and the protection of media independence.
He stressed that the union would remain committed to discharging its responsibilities without fear or favour.
Lanre Ogundipe opens 60th anniversary celebration
The anniversary ceremony was formally declared open by former NUJ National President, Prince Lanre Ogundipe, who represented the incumbent National President, Alhassan Yahya.
Ogundipe congratulated the Oyo State Council on attaining 60 years of existence, describing it as the oldest NUJ council in Nigeria.
He commended generations of journalists and union leaders whose contributions had sustained the council over the decades.
The anniversary, he noted, offered an opportunity to reflect on the union’s achievements, challenges and responsibilities, particularly as the media industry continues to experience significant technological and structural changes.
Dare Babarinsa calls for transformation in journalism
Veteran journalist and Chairman of Gaskia Media Limited, Chief Dare Babarinsa, delivered the keynote address at the anniversary celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “Six Decades of Legacy, Milestones and Lessons for the Future,” Babarinsa challenged journalists to embrace innovation and prepare for the changing realities of the media industry.
He emphasised the importance of defending democratic institutions, strengthening national unity and adopting emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital journalism.
The veteran journalist warned that traditional newsrooms risk becoming irrelevant if they fail to adapt to evolving methods of news gathering, production and distribution.
He also advocated greater opportunities for women and younger journalists, stressing the need for inclusion, innovation and professional responsibility in shaping the future of journalism.
Babarinsa described journalists as custodians of national memory and urged media practitioners to recognise their critical role in shaping society and contributing to nation-building.
Faniran recalls NUJ’s role in Makinde’s political journey
A former Chairman of the Oyo NUJ Council, Comrade Adewumi Faniran, also expressed disappointment over Governor Makinde’s absence from the anniversary ceremony.
Faniran recalled the political significance of the NUJ Press Centre in Makinde’s political journey, particularly the endorsement of the governor by prominent political figures, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the Dapo Aderogba Hall on March 5, 2019, shortly before the governorship election.
He maintained that the NUJ Press Centre had played a notable role in the political developments surrounding Makinde’s emergence as governor.
Against this background, Faniran considered the governor’s absence from an event marking six decades of the union’s existence disappointing.
Meanwhile, another former council chairman, Mogaji Soladoye Adewole, and former NUJ Zone B Vice-President, Mogaji Cosmas Oni, commended Babarinsa’s keynote address.
They also praised the current leadership of the council for its efforts in maintaining and improving facilities at the NUJ Press Centre.
Onigbeti Urges Journalists to Embrace Artificial Intelligence
The Onigbeti of Igbeti Kingdom, Oba Bashir Abioye, congratulated the Oyo NUJ Council on its 60th anniversary and encouraged journalists to embrace artificial intelligence without compromising professional ethics.
The monarch emphasised that technological advancement must go hand in hand with accuracy, credibility and the traditional values of Omoluabi.
He urged journalists to use their platforms responsibly to promote good governance, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
His remarks highlighted the growing importance of balancing technological innovation with the fundamental principles of journalism.
Oyo NUJ at 60: A legacy and a responsibility
The 60th anniversary represents a significant milestone in the history of journalism and professional unionism in Oyo State.
Over the years, the council has provided a platform for professional engagement, welfare advocacy, press freedom campaigns and public accountability.
Beyond the celebrations, the anniversary also offers an opportunity for journalists to reflect on the future of the profession, particularly the challenges of digital transformation, declining public trust, journalists’ welfare and the need to protect media independence.
The absence of Governor Makinde and the disappointment expressed by the council’s leadership have also brought renewed attention to the relationship between government and the media.
As the anniversary celebrations continue, the Oyo NUJ is expected to use the milestone to reinforce its commitment to professional excellence, responsible journalism and the defence of democratic values.
Source: ReportersAtLarge.
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