Chairmanship contestant in the forthcoming election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Rasaq Ayinla, has assured members of the State Ministry of Information Chapel and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in the state that he would secure a functional bus for the chapel and sports Writers and ensure the full reintegration of SWAN, Ogun State Chapter, into the NUJ family if elected.
Ayinla gave the assurance while addressing SWAN Congress during his campaign visit to the association’s secretariat at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Speaking during the visit, Ayinla said journalists in Ogun State deserve improved welfare and better working tools to enhance their productivity.
He said, SWAN had been sidelined by the outgoing NUJ exco in the state, promising to foster unity and working relationship among the affiliated associations.
“If elected, one of my first commitments is to ensure that the State Ministry Information Chapel and SWAN get a functional working bus. Our members deserve support that makes their job easier, not harder,” he said.
He continued, “Every morning, I saw how our members in the state information chapel struggle to get taxi to the secretariat, but if elected, I will ensure the first set of two buses we will secure from the state government or private establishment are for SWAN and information chapel. It is on record that, since 1979, no administration in Ogun state has ever given SWAN official bus and their role in the sports sector of the state is very critical.”
He also pledged to restore unity and harmony within the Ogun State NUJ by bringing SWAN fully back into the fold.
“SWAN is an integral part of our union. My administration will work immediately to reintegrate SWAN into the NUJ family because together, we are stronger,” Ayinla assured.
According to him, his vision is to build a more inclusive, united, and well-equipped union that prioritizes the welfare of every chapel.
“My mission is simple: to rebuild confidence, foster unity, and ensure that every chapel feels the presence of the council. Journalists in Ogun State deserve the best, and that is what I am offering,” he added.
Responding, Ogun SWAN Chairman, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, described Ayinla as an articulate and well-bred journalist who possesses the experience, exposure and network needed to reposition the union.
He lamented the neglect of the association by the outgoing NUJ leadership in the state, stressing that the association has been excluded as SEC and SWC member in the state.
He urged members of the association to come out en masse and cast their votes for Comrade Ayinla in the forthcoming NUJ election as solidarity support for the former caretaker chairman of the association in the state.
