Morenikeji Sobaloju Emerges Ogun NAWOJ Chairperson, Damilola Koleade Wins Secretary Seat
Bunmi Oni, Semiat Yusuf, Omolola Emmanuel Emerge in New Executive
Comrade Morenikeji Sobaloju has emerged as the new Chairperson of the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), following the Association’s latest leadership election.
The election produced a new executive committee saddled with the responsibility of steering the affairs of women journalists in Ogun State, with Comrade Damilola Koleade emerging as Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Oni as Treasurer, Comrade Semiat Yusuf as Financial Secretary and Comrade Omolola Emmanuel as Auditor.
While the other positions were reportedly returned without a contested vote, the position of Secretary witnessed a direct contest between Comrade Mobolaji Adekunle and Comrade Damilola Koleade.
At the end of the voting, Koleade secured 40 votes, while Adekunle polled 23 votes, giving Koleade the mandate to serve as the Secretary of Ogun NAWOJ.
The result made the Secretary position the major contested office in the election, with members ultimately deciding in favour of Koleade.
Global Mirror News gathered that the emergence of Sobaloju as Chairperson brings an experienced hand back into the leadership structure of Ogun NAWOJ, as she had previously served as Treasurer of the Association during the administration inaugurated in 2020.
Contemporary reports from that period identified her among the newly inaugurated Ogun NAWOJ executive members, making her familiar with the organisation’s leadership structure and responsibilities.
In her acceptance speech, Sobaloju described her emergence as more than a personal victory, saying it represented a celebration of unity, sisterhood and the collective strength of women journalists in Ogun State.
She expressed gratitude to members who supported and entrusted her with the responsibility, describing their confidence as both an honour and a charge to serve diligently.
The new Chairperson also acknowledged her contender for choosing the path of unity and stepping down in the interest of the collective good.
She extended a hand of friendship and partnership to her contender, stressing that there were no winners or losers after the election because all members remained part of one NAWOJ family.
Sobaloju said her administration would be guided by the campaign message of “Unity, Progress, Love and Empowerment for All.”
According to her, the message would not remain a campaign slogan but would become the guiding principle of the new administration.
She pledged to work towards an NAWOJ where members’ welfare would receive attention, every woman journalist would have opportunities for professional growth, young Journalists would be mentored, experience would be respected and members would have a voice.
She further promised to pursue capacity building, greater visibility, professional development, strategic partnerships and opportunities capable of improving the careers and lives of members.
Sobaloju also pledged to promote inclusion, transparency, accountability, integrity and accessibility in the administration of the association.
She said leadership should not be viewed simply as occupying a position but as an opportunity to listen, serve and create opportunities for others to rise.
Addressing senior colleagues, the Chairperson-elect sought their wisdom and guidance, while asking younger members to contribute their ideas, energy and commitment to the development of the association.
She assured members that the administration belonged to everyone and called for collective participation in its activities.
“I may have emerged as Chairperson, but I cannot do this alone. Together, we can do more. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant and more respected NAWOJ Ogun,” she said.
Sobaloju further pledged to lead with humility, courage, fairness and an open heart, assuring members that she would listen, serve and represent them.
“The work begins now,” she declared.
She also prayed for wisdom, strength and grace to leave NAWOJ Ogun better, stronger and more united than she met it.
New Ogun NAWOJ Executive
The newly elected executive members are:
Morenikeji Sobaloju — Chairperson
Damilola Koleade — Secretary
Bunmi Oni — Treasurer
Semiat Yusuf — Financial Secretary
Omolola Emmanuel — Auditor
The election was conducted under the supervision of an electoral team led by Comrade Bose Akintunde, who served as Electoral Chairman.
National observers included Comrade Adeola Adekunle, Zone B Vice Chairman, and Comrade Adeola Adewole, NAWOJ Zone B Secretary. The Ogun NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju Agbaakin among others.
Focus on Unity, Welfare and Professional Development
With the election concluded, attention is expected to shift to the programmes and policies of the new administration.
The leadership assumes office at a period when journalism is undergoing rapid transformation as a result of digital media, social networking platforms, changing audience behaviour and the increasing demand for journalists to develop new professional skills.
For women journalists, issues such as welfare, capacity building, professional development, safety, mentorship, leadership opportunities and effective representation remain important areas requiring sustained attention.
Global Mirror News reports that NAWOJ has continued to provide a platform for women journalists to collaborate, improve their professional capacity and contribute to public discourse on issues affecting women, children and society.
The Ogun chapter is also expected to strengthen its engagement with the Nigerian Union of Journalists, media organisations, government institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Such partnerships could provide opportunities for training, professional networking, advocacy and initiatives aimed at promoting responsible journalism and addressing issues of public interest.
Sobaloju’s acceptance speech placed particular emphasis on unity, inclusion and collective responsibility, with the new Chairperson calling on both senior and younger members to contribute to the development of the association.
Global Mirror News reports that the success of the new administration will depend on its ability to translate its campaign promises into practical programmes, maintain unity among members, promote professional standards and improve opportunities for women journalists across Ogun State.
As the new executive begins its tenure, members will be looking forward to the administration’s programmes and initiatives, particularly those relating to welfare, capacity building, professional growth and the visibility of women journalists in the state.
Sobaloju has, however, made her immediate position clear: she intends to lead an inclusive administration and has called on all members to work together in building a stronger and more united NAWOJ Ogun.
