By Ukpa Ewa :
Alhassan Yahaya has been elected as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), succeeding Chris Isiguzo, who completed his tenure at the Union’s 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference in Owerri, Imo State, on Nov. 27, 2024.
Yahaya, the immediate past National Deputy President of the NUJ and member of the Gombe State Council, won the election securing 436 votes, defeating Bamidele Atunbi, former Treasurer of the FCT Council who scored 97 votes while Muhammed Garba polled 39 votes.
In a historic move, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde was elected unopposed as the Deputy National President, making her the first female to hold such office. Oyetunde, who is the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Bronze FM in Edo State, also served as a former member of the NUJ Board of Trustees.
Other unopposed officers include Comrade Victor Ndukwe, who was elected as National Treasurer. Ndukwe, the former Chairman of the Abia State Council.
The election, conducted amidst tight security, was overseen by the Electoral Committee led by Comrade Mike Ikeogwu. A total of 602 delegates from across the nation participated in the conference, marking a significant moment in the NUJ’s leadership transition.
*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State