By Emmanuel Olagunju
The winning team in the just concluded election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) Oyo Council , Great Minds Team has lauded members of the council for standing by its flag bearers before and during the poll .
The team led by the new Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abass also assured members of purposeful leadership while in office .
Great minds team also produced the vice chairman, Abiodun Atilola of the Information Chapel, Oyo state while Temidayo Adu , Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria ( FRCN) emerged secretary.
In a statement issued by the Director-General of the Great Minds Team, Lekan Shobo Shobowale, the group expressed deep appreciation to Oyo NUJ members for what it described as overwhelming support, solidarity, and confidence in its leadership.
Shobowale noted that the victory is a collective achievement and a call to higher responsibility.
He assured members that the newly elected officers would serve with renewed passion, integrity, and a commitment to strengthening professionalism within the union.
“We do not take this mandate for granted. Your support has energized us to pursue our goal , we assure you that the Great Minds Team is ready to justify your confidence in us through purposeful leadership.”
The team also extended an olive branch to all contestants in the election, emphasizing that while campaigns may have ended, the collective mission to advance journalism in Oyo State remains paramount.
“We invite every stakeholder to join us in building a more united, vibrant and forward-looking Oyo NUJ where every voice matters and every member thrives,” Shobowale added.
Akeem Babatunde Abass of the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) pulled 143 votes to emerge the chairman while his closest rival , Raji Adebayo,Correspondents’ Chapel has 118 votes .
Atilola became the vice chairman with 205 votes , defeating Sam Nwaoko of the Nigerian Tribune who scored 112 votes . Temidayo Adu surpassed Olamide Adeniji in a Keenly contested election by 166 to 149 votes .
Meanwhile, Moses Morenikeji of the Divine mandate team emerged treasurer of the council.
The election is being hailed as the beginning of a new chapter for the Oyo NUJ, with expectations high for strengthened unity and progressive reforms under the Great Minds Team.
