A former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has been appointed as the chairman of the Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).
Osoba’s election was affirmed at the Governing Council meeting held at the NIJ Council Chamber, Lagos State, according to a release signed by the NIJ Acting Registrar, Mrs Kalesanwo.
Mrs Kalesanwo explained that the nomination of Chief Olusegun Osoba was unanimously adopted by the members of the Council in session after he was introduced to the Council by veteran journalist and publisher, Mr Sam Amuka (Uncle Sam).
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which was attended by the President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Chief Nduka Obaigbena; the Council in session observed a minute silence in honour of its late Chairman, Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua
“A day of tribute be organised by the school management in honour of Alhaji Ismaila Isa
“That the assumption of Chief Olusegun Osoba as Chairman of Council, 30 years after he left the position is to explore his wealth of knowledge, administrative skill, professional in-depth and goodwill to reposition the Institute in his era of technology-driven communication industry.
“Council appointed Ray Ekpu, a former President of NPAN as the Deputy Chairman of the Governing Council
“That Chairman of the NIJ Alumni Association be incorporated into the Council in ex-office capacity with no voting right. This is to enable the old students to appropriately contribute to the repositioning of their Alma Mater
“That following the expiration of the tenure of the Provost Mr Gbenga Ogunleye by 18 months, Council thanked him for his service and wished him the best in his future endeavours from the end of August 2020
“Council directed its establishment committee sets in motion through the placement of advertisement and screening of a suitable candidate for the office of the Provost immediately
“That all stakeholders committees should be meeting regularly as appropriate and submit working papers for the Council to fast-track the repositioning drive.
“The Council commended the untiring efforts of leaders in the profession including Mr Nduka Obaigbena, NPAN President, Mr Sam Amuka and late Ismaila Isa in steering the ship of the Institute up till the moment.”
Meanwhile, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, speaking on the appointment on Wednesday, described it as a true call to service, saying it is as “fitting as fixing a round peg in a round hole.”
Chief Osoba, according to Governor Abiodun, spent his most productive years as a respected member of the fourth estate of the realm, establishing a reputation for diligent and responsible journalism.
“Even when not in active practice, he still sees himself, first as a reporter before anything else and keeps mentoring younger professionals. Yes, he has been a decorated administrator, statesman and boardroom guru, but journalism remains his primary constituency and flows in his bloodstream”, the governor said.
He added that: “It is a tribute to the undying reportorial excellence and acknowledgement of his prowess that Chief Osoba was unanimously adopted by a council peopled by the best and brightest across all sections of the media.”