By John Dike
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is expected to declare open activities marking the 35th anniversary and 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, on Monday, October 26.
Adeleke, who serves as the Grand Patron of the union in the state, is scheduled to perform the opening ceremony at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The Chairman and Secretary of the council, Comrades Adeyemi Aboderin and Olalekan Akindoju, respectively, disclosed this in a statement announcing activities lined up for the anniversary celebration.
A major highlight of the programme will be the presentation of merit awards to distinguished individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions to society and various sectors of the economy.
Among the award recipients is the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, who will receive the Osun NUJ Labour Leader of the Year Award.
Others scheduled to be honoured include the Chief Security Adviser to Governor Adeleke, Mr Samuel Ojo; Lagos-based businessman, Bestman Nze-Jumbo; Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi; the Osun State Head of Service, Elder Samuel Ayanleye Aina; and the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II.
The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m. at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo.
The event is expected to attract prominent personalities from different sectors, including government officials, traditional rulers, industrialists, labour leaders and other stakeholders.
Beyond the opening ceremony and awards presentation, the council has lined up several activities to commemorate the anniversary and promote professional camaraderie among journalists.
The programmes include a Jumat service on Friday, October 23; a Sunday programme; a health walk and medical check-up; a sports competition; Cultural Day; Sanitation Day; and an interactive session with past leaders of the union, among other activities.
The anniversary celebration is expected to provide an opportunity for journalists to reflect on the contributions of the union to the development of journalism in Osun State, while strengthening professional unity and commitment to ethical reporting.
The council called on members of the public, media professionals, government officials, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to participate in the celebration and support efforts to promote professionalism, unity and excellence in journalism.
