A frontline contender for the position of chairman in the Oyo state council of Nigeria union of journalists (NUJ) Akeem Babatunde Abas popularly known as Alakime, has announced plans to establish a food bank for journalists in Oyo State if elected Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Alakime, a Bloomberg Scholar and Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), made this commitment during a recent visit to the management and staff of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan Network Centre.
In his address, Alakime emphasized the urgent need to address the economic challenges faced by journalists in the state. He explained that the food bank initiative would provide subsidized food items and provisions to journalists, offering much-needed support to those struggling with financial hardship.
“The food bank will not only alleviate the economic burden on journalists but will also discourage unethical practices like the ‘brown envelope’ syndrome,” Alakime said, referring to the practice of accepting bribes for favorable coverage.
Alakime called on members of the union to support his candidacy in the upcoming election on December 9, urging them to vote for him so he can implement his plans to improve the profession. He also expressed his commitment to raising the standard of journalism in the state and preserving the legacies of past NUJ leaders.
With his promise to provide tangible solutions to the challenges facing journalists, Alakime is positioning himself as a strong candidate for the NUJ chairmanship.
