Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has clarified that it never received application from any association claiming to represent veteran journalists for the use of any facility at its Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, for the proposed October 26 lecture.
The union in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Akeem Abas and Secretary, Temidayo Adu, said the council was unaware of such programme.
The clarification followed a statement by Prince Lanre Ogundipe, a respected former President of the union, who urged the Council to verify the status of organisations claiming to represent veteran journalists and establish whether the proposed event had been authorised.
The council stated that the only recognised association of veteran journalists in Oyo State, as far as it is concerned, was the League of Veteran Journalists (LVJ).
It added that it would not recognise any splinter group or factional association as a parallel body representing veteran journalists.
The council stressed that no such association had formally approached the Council to request the use of its hall for the proposed lecture.
“Any group wishing to use the facility must follow the established procedures and obtain approval before announcing an event at the Press Centre.
“As of today, no such association has formally approached the Council to request the use of its hall for the proposed lecture,” it said.
While acknowledging the former president’s concerns, the council maintained that its position was aimed at preserving unity among journalists and preventing confusion over representation within the profession.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to respecting veteran journalists and protecting the integrity of established professional associations, urging members of the journalism community to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities on matters concerning the use of NUJ facilities.
