In the last three years, the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has witnessed remarkable progress under the leadership of Mallam Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, the current Chairman. As he seeks re-election for a second term, Ahmed has rolled out an impressive list of achievements that have transformed the union in the state.
Despite the challenges faced during his first term, Ahmed has made his mark in several areas, including training and retraining of journalists, health insurance, welfare, and more. The key highlights of his administration’s achievements include:
Reopening of the NUJ Press Centre Chalet: After a three-year closure due to a court order, Ahmed’s administration was able to settle the legal fees and reopen the chalet in April 2023, providing a much-needed facility for journalists in the state.
Extensive Training and Workshops: Under Ahmed’s leadership, NUJ members in Kwara have had the opportunity to participate in various training programs, including an ICT training sponsored by Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia, and workshops in Abuja in 2021.
Successful Hosting of Media Events: The Kwara NUJ has hosted several impactful events, such as the Kwara NUJ/Emir of Ilorin Colloquium and the 2023 Kwara NUJ Debate for Political Parties’ Candidates, which showcased the union’s commitment to fostering dialogue and engagement.
Improved Welfare and Health Care: Ahmed’s administration has taken steps to enhance the welfare of NUJ members, including onboarding them into a health insurance scheme and providing regular medical checkups. Additionally, the distribution of food items, rice palliatives, and Ramadan gifts has been a testament to the union’s commitment to supporting its members.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Procurement: Under Ahmed’s leadership, the NUJ in Kwara has seen improvements in its facilities, including the refurbishment of the council’s bus, the procurement of a public address system, and the construction of a library project at the NUJ Press Centre.
Financial Stability and Transparency: When Ahmed took office, the council had only N30,000 in its bank account. Through his efforts, the financial system has been reengineer ed, leading to regular staff salary payments and increased transparency in the council’s finances.
These achievements, among others, have positioned Ahmed as the ideal candidate for a second term as the Kwara NUJ Chairman. His commitment to the welfare and professional development of journalists in the state has earned him the trust and respect of his colleagues, making him a worthy choice for re-election.
As the Kwara NUJ prepares for its upcoming election, Ahmed’s track record of service and his vision for the union’s future make him the ideal candidate to continue the positive transformation of the council.