The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has inaugurated the Ogun East Independent Chapel and its pioneer executives as part of efforts to combat the rise of fake journalism and strengthen professionalism in the state.
The inauguration, held on Tuesday, was presided over by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, who underscored the need to safeguard the profession from quackery and unverified reporting.
Olanrewaju noted that Ogun East, particularly the Ijebu axis, had become a hotspot for fake news due to the proliferation of unqualified media operators. He said the council had issued warnings in the past but resolved that establishing a chapel for qualified journalists was the best long-term solution.
“This profession needs to be guided. It is important that all of us come together in the war against unconfirmed sources of information, because purveyors of fake news have dominated our space,” he said.
He added that the newly created chapel would ensure that credible and professional journalists defend and protect the integrity of the media.
Also speaking, NUJ National Ex-Officio, Comrade James Sowole, described the development as a major step toward sanitising the media landscape in the state. He urged the new leaders to uphold ethical standards in their practice.
Administering the oath of office, the State Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, reminded the executives of their responsibility to maintain discipline, transparency, and close cooperation with the state council, stressing that the union would not tolerate any action capable of tarnishing its image.
The pioneer leaders sworn in included Comrade Oluseun Oduneye (Chairman), Comrade Charles Adegbite (Vice Chairman), Comrade Funmi Sulodu (General Secretary), Comrade Daniel Johnson (Treasurer), and Comrade Ademola Ogunlana (Assistant General Secretary).
In his acceptance speech, Oduneye expressed gratitude to the council for the trust reposed in the new leadership and pledged to work with his team to achieve meaningful progress for the union.
