Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan has been re-elected President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), securing a renewed mandate to lead the professional body into what he described as “the next chapter” of the Guild.
In his post-election address, Aliagan expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him, describing his victory not as a personal triumph but as a mandate for the Guild, investigative journalism, accountability, professionalism and service to the Nigerian people.
He pledged to use the renewed mandate to strengthen the Guild’s institutional structures, professional capacity and investigative journalism practice, while calling on members to put the election behind them and unite for the development of NGIJ.
“The election has ended. The campaign has ended. What begins today is the work,” Aliagan said.
He extended a hand of fellowship to members who supported other candidates during the election, stressing that there were no permanent winners or losers in the Guild.
“There are no winners and losers in the Guild. There is only one NGIJ, and there is work to be done,” he said.
Aliagan said his administration would be guided by four key principles — Continuity, Consolidation, Correction and Completion — which he described as the roadmap for the next phase of the Guild.
He said the administration would preserve achievements that deserve to be sustained, consolidate existing structures and initiatives, correct areas where the Guild had fallen short and complete programmes requiring further institutional attention.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening investigative journalism through deeper, data-driven and evidence-based investigations, professional training, collaboration and improved access to credible information.
He, however, stressed that partnerships with government agencies and other institutions would not compromise the editorial independence of the Guild.
“Partnership must never mean surrender of editorial independence,” he said.
Aliagan further said the Guild must build institutions that are stronger than individuals, promising to strengthen its documentation, communication channels, professional networks and internal systems.
He also identified artificial intelligence, data journalism, digital forensics, open-source intelligence and multimedia investigations as areas requiring greater attention as journalism evolves.
Meanwhile, the newly re-elected Vice President, Information and Administration, Oyetola Oyelola, has pledged to improve communication between the leadership and members through regular updates on the activities of the Guild.
Oyelola, in a message to members, said he accepted his renewed mandate with humility and commended members for their participation in the electoral process.
He noted that NGIJ is approaching its 10th anniversary and therefore needs to deploy greater energy, innovation and professionalism to advance the Guild.
As part of the Correction component of the new administration’s agenda, Oyelola said members would receive real-time updates and weekly reports of NGIJ activities, including its successes, ongoing efforts and challenges.
He said the initiative would also enable members to provide feedback and opinions on the administration’s programmes.
“Election is over, let’s work together to move NGIJ forward. Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan has been re-elected; we need to give him maximum support,” Oyelola said.
He also called on members who devoted their resources and time to the election but did not achieve their desired outcome to remain engaged, assuring them that the Guild had room for everyone. “NGIJ can accommodate everybody. Let’s work together,” he said.
Aliagan, in his victory address, similarly appealed for constructive engagement from critics and sceptics, saying a strong institution should not be afraid of questions.
He urged members to challenge policies, examine records and demand results, provided such engagements remained within the bounds of professionalism, truth and mutual respect.
He also called for greater transparency and accountability within the Guild, saying an organisation committed to demanding accountability from public institutions must demonstrate the same values internally.
“The credibility of an investigative journalism institution begins with the credibility of its own internal processes,” he said.
The NGIJ President said his renewed mandate was not a licence to relax but “a summons to work harder, a call to serve better and a responsibility to deliver.”
He expressed appreciation to the electoral committee, members, partners and colleagues who contributed to the success of the election.
Aliagan concluded by reaffirming the central philosophy of his new administration:
“DON’T START AGAIN. BUILD FORWARD.
He said the ultimate objective was to build an NGIJ that is modern, innovative, independent, professional and impact-driven.