*COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE JOINT SOUTH WEST LEADERSHIP RETREAT OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) AND THE NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN JOURNALISTS (NAWOJ), HELD AT ILAJI HOTELS AND SPORTS RESORT, IBADAN, OYO STATE FROM 16TH – 18TH JULY 2026 WITH THE THEME: COLLABORATION, CAPACITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM*
PREAMBLE
The joint South West Leadership Retreat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) was successfully convened from 16th to 18th July 2026 at the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. This historic and pace-setting retreat was hosted by the Oyo State Council of NUJ and co-hosted by the Ogun State Council of NUJ.
The retreat brought together delegates from across the six states of the South West zone. The union leaders include national officers, zonal leaders, chairmen/chairpersons and secretaries, as well as some members of the State Working Committees of NUJ and NAWOJ.
Deliberations focused on the future of the journalism profession, strengthening institutional ties, enhancing professional capacity, as well as addressing critical industry and internal union challenges to advance sustainable development.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
Following robust, transparent, and exhaustive deliberations on the socio-professional landscape and the upcoming internal union transition processes, the retreat observed and resolved as follows:
1. That the Retreat emphasised that absolute unity between the NUJ and NAWOJ is non-negotiable. Leaders are urged to always speak with one voice.
2. That the Zone reinterated that institutional hierarchy must be maintained. The NUJ remains the parent body for all its affiliated associations, while its leadership structure takes constitutional precedence, and leadership positions must be handled with humility and respect.
3. That the Zone expresses its readiness to soon host the NUJ National Media Summit in the Southwest.
4. That the Retreat Hails the National Leadership of the NUJ led by Comrade Yahya Alhassan for various initiatives and programmes to improve journalism practice in the country.
5. That the Retreat urges the NLC/TUC to commence negotiations on how to review the current national minimum wage of N70,000 in line with prevailing economic reality as inflation has already eroded the wage.
6. That the Retreat commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the ongoing construction of major roads projects in the Southwest, calling on contractors handling them to step up level of work for timely completion.
7. That NUJ/NAWOJ Applauds peaceful conduct of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship election, challenging the stakeholders to ensure similar hitch-free process is recorded during the forthcoming 2026 Osun State Governorship election.
8. That the Retreat commends efforts of the leaders as led by the NUJ Deputy National President, Dr (Mrs) Abimbola Oyetunde and the NUJ B-Zone Vice President, Princess Aderonke Samo for ensuring stability and unprecedented unity in the Southwest zone.
9. That the Southwest NUJ/NAWOJ appreciates Oyo Council of NUJ for hosting a successful Retreat, with the support of other five State Councils in the zone.
COMMUNIQUÉ DRAFTING COMMITTEE;
1. Comrade Seye Ojo (NUJ National Trustee) – Chairman
2. Comrade Eniola Adeaga (NAWOJ Secretary, Oyo State) – Secretary
3. Comrade Olayinka Olukoya (NAWOJ Member, Ogun State) – Member
E-SIGNED:
Dr. (Mrs) Abimbola Oyetunde
Deputy National President,
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Com. Aderonke Afebioye-Samo
Vice President, NUJ, B-Zone.
Com. Adeola Adekunle
Vice President, NAWOJ, B-Zone.
