The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has begun a week-long programme marking its 50th anniversary.
As part of the week-long celebration scheduled for Monday October 26 to November 1 2026 the Council will lay the foundation for a 750-capacity hall donated by the Senator representing Ogun West and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
The council also announced plans to launch Iwe Irohin Online organise a Walk for Press Freedom and honour distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to journalism and national development.
Speaking in Abeokuta at a press conference to herald the anniversary Chairman of the council Akinwale Olanrewaju said the anniversary themed ‘Truth Trust and the Press – Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism’ was designed to reflect on the union’s contributions to press freedom while addressing challenges confronting the profession.
He said the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Lecture slated for Thursday October 29 at the Iwe-Irohin Centre Abeokuta will be one of the major events.
According to him the first female Accountant-General of the Federation Oluwatoyin Madein will deliver the keynote address while the panel session will feature the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Reuben Abati; former Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Yusuf Olaniyonu; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Kalejaiye.
Other panellists include former Ogun NUJ chairman Femi Shodunke and Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni.
He said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on Ogun State’s historic position as Nigeria’s cradle of journalism and its enduring role in promoting democratic values and defending press freedom.
He added that other activities lined up for the celebration included the National Association of Women Journalists Day a free music concert community outreach to Opeji thanksgiving services and an awards ceremony
The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 31 at the Telemedicine Hall Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta while the celebration will conclude with a thanksgiving service at Victory Life Bible Church on November 1.
Earlier the chairman of the anniversary planning committee Emmanuel Oke said the programme was structured to combine professional engagement with sports entertainment community service and recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to journalism and nation-building.
Oke called on journalists media stakeholders and members of the public to join the celebration describing the Golden Jubilee as an opportunity to reflect on the past assess the present and consider the future of journalism in Ogun State and Nigeria.