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It was all glitz and glamour, as the newly remodelled Lagos Council Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was commissioned by the Founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church, Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, with other invited dignitaries in Lagos.
In his welcome address, NUJ Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Adeleye Ajayi, appreciated everyone for their presence saying: “In the name of God e Almighty, it gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to this landmark event, the completion of the remodelled Lagos NUJ Secretariat made possible by God through Reverend Ajayi.
“ We approached Reverend Ajayi, an evangelist and philanthropist, who assured us through the Esther Ajayi Foundation (EAF) that she would complete the secretariat by the Grace of God Almighty. I remember vividly that all she required during our first visit to the Church was the architectural drawing of the Secretariat, which she promised to give to her engineer to study. We told her that we did not want cash and that all we needed was for her to complete the building for us.
“Unexpectedly, our security man just called on the telephone in November 2021 that some construction workers were at the secretariat to commence work. I eventually found out that the engineers and other workers were sent by Reverend Ajayi.”
Chairman of Lagos chapter of NUJ, Adeleye Ajayi, expressed profound gratitude to Reverend (Dr.) Olumuyiwa and Reverend (Mrs.) Esther Ajayi for being pillars of support to the council, adding: “May God Almighty bless your ministry and you will never lack. The Goodness and mercy of God will continue to follow your family all the days of your lives.”
The NUJ Chairman also appreciated the efforts of the Lagos State Government for the unflinching and financial support of its officials towards the successful rehabilitation of the remodelled secretariat.
Ajayi also commended former chairmen of the Lagos NUJ, especially Mrs. Funke Fadugba, under whose administration the original building was conceived, while Dr. Qasim Akinreti-led Executive started the modeling project in 2019.
“The initial one-storey building that was here was bought by the Fadugba-led Executive two decades ago with the intention to bring NUJ nearer to the seat of government in Alausa, Ikeja. We thank Fadugba and her executive members for the laudable initiative. We also commend the last Executive of the union led by Dr. Qasim Akinreti that started the remodeling work in 2019,” Ajayi added.
On her part, Fadugba, who spoke on behalf of past chairmen of the council, said only God could have made the achievement possible, insisting that so far, her executive bought the one-storey building 20 years ago, which was commissioned by the former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba at the time, who graced the event as Father of The Day.
Responding, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, described the event as one that gladdens the heart, saying: “I am excited to be part of this special event coming after the NUJ Delegates Conference, where the NUJ Constitution was reviewed and strengthened. We are not surprised, because we all know that Lagos is the heartbeat of Journalism in Nigeria. It is a known fact that Lagos leads and others follow.”
Speaking further, Isiguzo commended Osoba for always identifying with the NUJ at all times and urged journalists to show professionalism in the discharge of their duties as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, urging them to do their possible best to achieve peace and accountability in the country.
Meanwhile, Osoba said he was grateful to God for using Reverend Ajayi to assist the union in realising its dreams and vision.
On his part, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the NUJ to be more committed to training and retraining of journalists across the country, stressing that journalism must not die, in spite of the challenges confronting the profession.
A high point of the event was the conferment of Grand Matron of the Lagos NUJ on Reverend Ajayi for her commitment and contributions towards humanity, as Isiguzo and other officials of the Lagos NUJ unveiled the remodeled secretariat with Reverend Ajayi in the company of dignitaries from all walks of life.
Reacting to issues of national interest, Ajayi expressed confidence that Nigeria will be great in 2023, adding: “I can tell that the 2023 general elections will go on well without any problems. It is also important for all Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as prayer alone is not enough to change the status quo ante. I have representatives of all political parties in my church so, everybody is my friend. And I especially celebrate my husband, who is equally celebrating his birthday today.”
Chairman of Iyalla Building Committee (IBC), Mrs. Nike Sodipo, gave the vote of thanks at the end of the ceremony, while members of the Lagos NUJ Council expressed hope while looking forward to benefiting more from the training and skills development programmes that will help them to discharge their duties professionally in the newly remodeled secretariat named as the Ladi Lawal Press Centre.