The League of Veteran Journalists has disowned a group identified as the Veteran Journalists’ Association of Nigeria over a lecture scheduled for October 26 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre Iyaganku Ibadan Oyo State.
The league in a statement signed by its chairman Banji Ogundele described the organisation as a ‘phantom’ body and warned members of the public against being misled by the purported organisers of the lecture.
It said there was only one recognised body of veteran journalists the League of Veteran Journalists established in 1988.
The league said it issued the statement to clarify its identity and prevent what it described as an attempt by individuals on a self-serving mission to tarnish the image of the journalism profession.
It added that the organisation comprised journalists and media practitioners who had spent at least 25 years in the profession.
Among its members according to the statement are veteran journalists Aremo Olusegun Osoba Felix Adenaike Bamiji Ojo Layi Agbaje Tunde Akingbade Agboola Sanni Kola Animasaun and Jare Ajayi.
Others listed include Bose Oyewole Oladele Idris Biodun Oduwole Lanre Ogundipe Shade Haastrup Akin Onipede and Bolaji Kareem.
The league said its objectives included promoting journalism upholding and protecting press freedom and ensuring compliance with the profession’s code of ethics.
It also listed public enlightenment through discussions analysis and reviews as well as the protection of members’ welfare and interests among its core responsibilities.
The organisation urged the public to take note of the clarification warning against activities that could bring the profession into disrepute.