The re-election of Comrade Ademola Babalola (Dembab) as the Chairman of Oyo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in a no contest election has been described as historic in the history of the union in the state and places a huge burden on the returned Chairman and his other members of the executive committee.
This was contained in the congratulatory message sent to the Oyo State Council of NUJ by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II through his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola and which was made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Oba Balogun, who hailed the journalists in the state for the return of Babalola and his team unopposed recalled that all through his close interactions of close to six decades with journalists in the state, he was not aware of such a time that a whole set of leaders were returned unopposed as just witnessed which was nothing but an affirmation of excellent performance by the returned team.
According to the message, “I heartily congratulate the returned executive committee of Oyo NUJ as led by Comrade Babalola and commend the union members for the unprecedented gesture extended to the performing team. This is a rare show of love and appreciation to leaders and I hope the team just returned would not take this gesture for granted.
“As it is said that to whom much is given, much is expected. The returned team must see this gesture as a burden. You can’t afford to fail, you can’t afford to let your people down. Whatever you might have done in your first term of three years that earned you this rare privilege and opportunity must become a child’s play in your performance under the new mandate.
“The message is clear, there should be no room for frivolities, remain focused and don’t be lackadaisical. I learned of your various efforts to turn around the Press Centre for good and how you have prioritized the welfare of your members, I urge you to carry on and ensure you leave behind sound and sustainable legacies when the tenure is completed. May the Almighty Allah grant you all it requires to succeed and surely, you will succeed”, Olubadan charged the Chairman.
The media-friendly monarch also called on the union members in the state to sustain the love with which the executive committee was returned unopposed by being more committed to the activities of the Council, adding, “it is not enough to put people forward as leaders, each time the leaders look back, the members should be there for them. It is through such unity and collaboration that the union can attain desired growth and development”.
