The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) elects Alhassan Yahya from Gombe State as its new President
A former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, has emerged the new National President of -the union last month.
The new President scored a total of 436 votes to defeat two other candidates at the 8th Triennial Delegates’ Conference of the NUJ which was held in Owerri, the Imo State capital between Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Yahya was declared winner of the hotly contested election in the early hours of Thursday, November 28 by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mike Ikeogwu.
Other two contestants for the position of the president, Bamidele Atunbi and Garba Mohammed, slugged it out with the winner and polled 97 votes and 39 votes to come second and third, respectively.
While declaring the result, Ikeogwu said: “By the powers vested in me as the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, I hereby declare that Alhassan Yahya, having polled the highest number of votes, is returned as President of the NUJ for the next three years.”
Yahya currently works with the Gombe Media Corporation, he is the first NUJ President of North-East extraction.
In his acceptance speech, Yahya pledged to serve “humbly and with the fear of God” as well as to “uphold the Constitution of the NUJ with all fairness, equity and justice.”
He succeeded Chris Isuguzo from the South-East, who served out two tenures of six years.
The new Deputy National President, Abimbola Oyetunde, who is the General Manager, Radio Nigeria Bronze FM, Edo State, was returned unopposed at the conference.
By her election, Oyetunde, a former member of the Board of Trustees of the union, emerged the first female deputy national president of NUJ.
Other national officers, who were returned unopposed included the National Treasurer, Victor Ndukwe former Abia Council Chairman, and Ronke Samo, the Vice President of B- Zone South West.
Also elected unopposed was Eze Adiukwu, the Zonal Secretary (South-East) of the union.
Governor of the host state, Hope Uzodimma, has extended his congratulations to the newly elected President of the NUJ and his Executive team. Uzodinma’s message was conveyed in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku.
“Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, congratulates the newly elected National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, on his well-deserved victory at the just-concluded 8th Triennial Congress held in Owerri, the Imo State capital”, said the statement in part.
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has also congratulated Yahya on his election as the National President of the NUJ.
In a statement by his media aide, Governor Yahaya expressed joy over Abdullahi’s resounding victory, describing it as a remarkable achievement and a source of immense pride for the state and the entire journalism profession.
The statement read, “From your humble beginning at the chapel level to your stellar service at the state, zonal, and national levels, you have consistently demonstrated unmatched courage, integrity, and passion for the cause of journalism and the welfare of journalists.
“Your election as the National President of the NUJ is a reflection of the trust journalists across Nigeria have in your capacity to lead. Your commitment, integrity, and vision have made you a shining example of what it means to be a leader in the field of journalism.
“As you begin this noble task, rest assured that Gombe State will stand firmly behind you. We are confident that under your leadership, the NUJ will witness a new era of progress, unity, and professionalism that will further elevate the role of journalism in promoting national development.
“Your victory is not only a win for the NUJ but also an indication of the strong values of leadership, determination, and excellence that you embody.”
