Ogun NUJ Marks 50 Years with Press Freedom Walk, Lecture and Awards

The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has unveiled a week-long programme to mark its 50th anniversary, with a public lecture, press freedom activities, community outreach and an awards ceremony among the events planned.

Council Chairman Akinwale Olanrewaju announced the programme on Sunday at a press conference at the Iwe-Irohin Press Centre in Abeokuta. The celebration will run from October 26 to November 1, 2026, under the theme: “Truth, Trust and the Press – Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”

The Golden Jubilee Anniversary Lecture, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at the Iwe-Irohin Centre, will be delivered by Oluwatoyin Madein, the first female Accountant-General of the Federation.

The event will also include a panel discussion featuring Reuben Abati, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan; Yusuf Olaniyonu, a former Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy; and legal practitioner Kunle Kalejaiye (SAN). Other panellists are former Ogun NUJ Chairman Femi Shodunke and the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni.

Olanrewaju said Ogun’s place as the cradle of journalism in Nigeria had positioned the state at the forefront of efforts to defend press freedom and democracy over the past five decades.

Activities planned for the anniversary include the foundation-laying ceremony for a 750-capacity hall donated by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who represents Ogun West, and the launch of Iwe-Irohin Online. The programme will also feature a Walk for Press Freedom, NAWOJ Day, a free music concert and a community outreach visit to Opeji.

Thanksgiving services and an awards ceremony are also part of the schedule. The awards event will take place on October 31 at the Telemedicine Hall of the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta. The anniversary will conclude with a thanksgiving service at Victory Life Bible Church on November 1.

Earlier, anniversary committee chairman Emmanuel Oke said the programme was designed to bring together professional discussions, sports, entertainment and community service. It will also recognise individuals whose contributions have advanced journalism and nation-building.

Oke urged journalists, stakeholders and members of the public to take part in the celebration, describing the Golden Jubilee as an important milestone for the council.

The week-long programme is expected to reflect on the history and role of journalism in Ogun State while offering opportunities to discuss the profession’s responsibilities, public trust and the protection of democratic choice.