The Chairman of Correspondent Chapel Ogun Nuj, Prince Rasaq Ayinla has officially declared his interest to vie for the council number one seat.
He made his intention known on Friday through a statement sighted by Newslife
A Call to Responsible Leadership
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
With a deep sense of responsibility and humility, I, RAZAQ AYINLA, News Editor, BusinessDay Newspaper and Agura Crown from Agura Palace, Oke-Iddo, Abeokuta present myself to serve as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council.
My aspiration is born out of a genuine commitment to renew integrity, restore dignity, and rebuild trust within our Union and between the Union and Government and corporate institutions.
I am offering myself, not for personal advancement or political gain, but to lead as a servant leader— a leader who listens, unites and works tirelessly to defend and promote the welfare of all journalists in Ogun State.
Professional and Union Service Record
As a thoroughbred journalist, I have been a consistent and active member of the NUJ throughout my professional career. I have had the privilege of serving in several capacities within the Union, including as Assistant Secretary and Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel; I have acted as Chairman of Sports Writers' Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and unanimously elected by Ogun NUJ SEC as acting Chairman. I was News Editor Iwe-Irohin Newspaper and I have won the Best Journalist (Print) 2012 and 2013.
In all these assignments, I have upheld the values of honesty, teamwork, and accountability—values that define true leadership in service to our profession.
I hold a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
I am currently running Masters of Public Administration at Miva Open University, Abuja. I am Agura Prince from Jiboso Ruling House. I am happily married, and the union is blessed with children.
Achievements and Track Record of Impact
I have been a media consultant to several Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Ogun State Government, namely, Ministry of Finance (Kemi Adeosun & Wale Oshinowo); Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Bimbo Ashiru); Ogun State Property and Corporation Investment (Jide Odusolu); Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (Babajide Odubanjo and Adekunle Adeosun); Bureau of Lands and Survey (Ronke Sokefun) and currently In-House News Analyst Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC).
My tenure as Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel was marked by tangible results, achieved through prudent management of resources, transparent leadership, and a commitment to member welfare.
*1. Institutional Revival and Capacity Building*
Upon assumption of office, our Chapel Secretariat was in disrepair and near abandonment. Today, through focused leadership and teamwork, we have:
Relocation and modernisation of the Chapel Secretariat, transforming it into a befitting workspace.
Paid rent one year in advance to guarantee stability even if I resign as Chairman.
Secured sponsorship for the Construction of a Permanent Secretariat — a landmark achievement for our Chapel.
Organised four capacity-building and professional training programmes for members across chapels, namely, Lafarge Africa, Dangote and IHS Media Trainings to enhance the skills, confidence and competence of our journalists.
The latest one was Training and Retreat for 100 Journalists in Ogun State. By the grace of God another one is in offing for December this year, also expected to benefit more members across the Chapels.
2. Resource Recovery and Asset Management
We took over an administration where the Chapel’s buses had been abandoned, and cannibalised.
We painstakingly restored one of the vehicles, which now serves members once again. This stands as proof that with responsible management, nothing is beyond recovery.
3. Welfare Advancement and Negotiations -
We successfully negotiated increments in weigh-in allowances for members of the Correspondents and Consolidated Chapels and ensured the inclusion of Federated Chapel members in State Government welfare provisions under the administration of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON in 2023.
For many years even before I hold any office in NUJ, I have been facilitating Christmas gifts from corporate bodies for members in Correspondents and Consolidated Chapels and others. This year won't be different.
4. Being an Alumnus of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), one of the first set in Ogun State, I have secured approval and appointed as Coordinator of the School to commence academic years since 2024, but unfortunately the plan was stalled due to leadership impudence at the Council level.
Nevertheless, I remain committed to pursuing this good initiative if entrusted with the State Chairmanship mandate.
5. Human Capital Support and Networking
Beyond institutional achievements, I have always believed in individual empowerment. We have facilitated employment opportunities for members' relatives and their children in reputable organisations including Lafarge, Dangote and FUNAAB, and supported others in gaining University Admissions and Project Sponsorships.
These achievements underscore a leadership style rooted in compassion, creativity, and practical problem-solving.
My Vision for Ogun NUJ
If given the honour to serve as State Chairman, I will lead a transparent, inclusive, and reform-minded administration guided by three core pillars:
1. Integrity and Accountability – Ensuring that every decision and financial transaction within the Council is open, documented, and subject to members’ scrutiny.
2. Welfare and Empowerment – Expanding welfare packages, training opportunities, housing and healthcare access, and career mobility for journalists.
3. Unity and Institutional Strengthening – Healing divisions within our Union, restoring respect for due process and promoting collaboration between Chapels and the State Council.
Our Union must reclaim its moral authority and dignity as the voice of truth, ethics, and justice. We can only achieve that when journalists are respected, protected, and empowered.
A Personal Commitment
My aspiration is not about occupying an office; it is about offering myself to serve — to bring back pride to journalism and restore confidence in our Union’s leadership.
I believe that together, we can rebuild a Council that works for everyone, not for a few; a Council that puts the welfare of members first, not politics or self-interest.
Conclusion
Colleagues, I seek your trust, your partnership, and your vote. Let us build a new era of responsible leadership where integrity is our compass, dignity is our identity, and progress is our collective goal.
With your support and God’s guidance, we will make the NUJ Ogun State Council a model of credible leadership and professional excellence.
Let’s Rebuild. Let’s Restore. Let's Renew. Let’s Rise — Together.
Vote RAZAQ AYINLA for NUJ Ogun State Chairman
A Servant Leader. A Proven Reformer. A Voice for All.
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