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The Chairmanship campaign train of the Dare Akogun campaign organisation today berthed at one of the oldest chapel in the State, Radio Kwara Ilorin and Federal Information where espoused his manifesto and plans for the Union.
Akogun while reading his speech at Radio Kwara, emphasised the urgent importance of restoring Kwara NUJ to its pride of place, stressing that the union needs “a life saving surgical operation”, adding that Kwara NUJ must be positioned to start contributing its quota to “nation-building”.
He said “In the life of our noble union when it urgently needs a life-saving surgical operation, solicit your votes and that, you put your faith in me as I offer to serve your interests, reposition the union at the level of the State Council, in order to safeguard its relevance in the scheme of things, as our noble profession, seeks to contribute its quota towards nation-building, through our collective industries, which will culminate in the resuscitation of our currently comatose union.
“The level of rot is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf, most things that are ingredient of how a union should operate properly and effectively, for example our chalets which should serve as a major source of revenue for the union, but sadly it has been a source of frustration and shame to the union due to an unavoidable court case because of bad decisions of some individuals.
“A union where a new marketing models to aid media development so as to meet its financial obligations and commitments in the changing phase of the economy and not wait every three years to milk members in the name of cheque off dues, professional fee amongst others” he stressed.
Speaking in the same vein, Dare Akogun while addressing members of the Federal Information chapel said “The NUJ Kwara State Council is at a critical point, where an all inclusive approach to its leadership is required, to ensure active participation of every member without leaving anyone behind. It is about time, we truncate leaving our Union in the hands of a microscopic few who have seen and turned the union to a meal ticket.
“The NUJ must serve as a support base for journalists and members facing challenges in whatever guise without being ridiculed. We are committed to playing the ‘welfare promoters’ role for Journalists, by liaising appropriately with management of media houses on journalists welfare, prompt payment of salaries and sponsorship of professional opportunities.
“If I have your mandate to lead this Council as Chairman, i promise to run an all inclusive government in which all the executives and members will be responsible for the success of our mission statement and the vision i have for the Council in the next three years.
“The welfare of members shall be my prime focus as well as all other requirements that will make members walk tall in the state and the country as a whole, and be proud to call the union their own, wherever they find themselves” he stressed.
Reacting on behalf of Radio Kwara chapel, the Chairman of Chapel Bashiru Jimoh commended Akogun for his approach to addressing issues in his campaign, saying election is not a do or die affair adding that what is important is the development of the state council of the NUJ. He thereafter pledged the support of Radio Kwara Chapel to his candidature adding they are going to work with him to ensure he emerged victorious at the end of the day.
In the same vein, Director Federal Information Centre Folashade Boriowo, speaking on behalf of the Chapel said “When you do not have competitive positions we might not have the best candidate to emerge as Chairman.
“Federal Information Centre is open to everyone and we believe that there should be no politics of calumny and bitterness among the candidates” she added.
