Kwara Journalists rally behind NUJ Chairman as 49th Media Parliament draws massive turnout

 

By Olatidoye Akeem

There are moments in the life of an organisation when an ordinary event becomes a reflection of something much bigger. Thursday, September 10, 2026, was one of such moments in the annals of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The 49th edition of the Media Parliament, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Offa Road, GRA, Ilorin, attracted an impressive gathering of journalists, members of the Ifelodun Local Government administration, friends, partners and other stakeholders.

But beyond the speeches, questions and responses, the event offered something perhaps more significant — a visible indication of renewed interest and confidence in NUJ programmes among media practitioners in the state.

The Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Femi Yusuf, was the guest at the programme, which provided an avenue for journalists to interact with the council leadership and gain insight into developments at the grassroots.

However, it was the remarkable turnout of journalists that became one of the biggest talking points of the event.
Hon. Femi Yusuf and other guests at the programme became overwhelmed with the large number of journalists who turned up for the Media Parliament.

For an event organised primarily for media practitioners, the sight of journalists arriving in large numbers, settling down and actively participating was particularly encouraging.

For many observers of NUJ activities in Kwara State, the scene was different from what had become familiar in previous years.

There were times when attendance at union programmes appeared to require considerable effort from organisers, with journalists sometimes having to be persuaded before turning up.

The 49th Media Parliament, however, presented a different picture.
Journalists came willingly.
They came with the apparent intention of gaining knowledge, information and professional insight. They listened attentively and remained calm throughout the proceedings.

Rather than treating the programme simply as another assignment, many of the journalists appeared to recognise it as an opportunity to learn, interact and broaden their understanding of issues affecting governance and society.

This development is significant because a strong professional union depends not only on its leadership but also on the active participation of its members.

Members Applaud NUJ Chairman’s Leadership

The impressive turnout also provided an opportunity for NUJ members who attended the programme to assess the leadership of the State Council.

Several members, who spoke on the development, commended the State Chairman, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, not only for organising the Media Parliament but also for what they described as his leadership style.

According to the members, the chairman’s approach to union leadership appears to be encouraging greater participation and creating more opportunities for journalists to interact, learn and contribute to the affairs of the union.

Their commendation went beyond the success of the 49th Media Parliament. They viewed the turnout as part of a broader indication of renewed enthusiasm for NUJ activities in the state.

For them, leadership in a professional union should not be measured only by the number of programmes organised, but also by the ability to inspire members to identify with the union and willingly participate in its activities.

The large turnout, they suggested, was therefore an encouraging sign.

When Participation Becomes Voluntary

The difference between compelled attendance and voluntary participation is significant.nWhen members attend an event simply because they are expected to be there, the gathering may have numbers but lack the spirit of engagement.

But when members attend because they believe the programme has something valuable to offer, the entire atmosphere changes.

The journalists appeared attentive and interested in the proceedings. They listened to the speakers, followed the discussions and participated in the engagement.

For the profession, this is important.
Journalism is a profession that requires continuous learning. The media landscape is constantly changing, while issues surrounding governance, technology, ethics, security and development require journalists to remain informed.

Platforms such as the Media Parliament therefore provide an important avenue for journalists to acquire information directly from policymakers and other stakeholders.

The 49th edition was, therefore, more than just another event on the NUJ calendar. It became a demonstration of what can happen when a professional union creates platforms that members consider worthwhile.

For Hon. Femi Yusuf and the other guests, the large turnout was reportedly a pleasant surprise.

For the journalists, it was an opportunity to learn and engage.
For the NUJ leadership, it was an indication that members are willing to support the present leadership of the Kwara State NUJ and programmes that add value to their professional lives.

And for Mallam Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, the commendation from members could be seen as recognition not merely for one successful programme but for the leadership approach being adopted at the State Council.

The question now is whether the enthusiasm witnessed at the 49th Media Parliament can be sustained.
One successful event is encouraging, but consistency is what ultimately builds confidence.

If future NUJ programmes continue to provide journalists with opportunities for professional development, meaningful engagement and access to relevant information, the renewed participation could become a lasting culture.

The 49th Media Parliament has therefore left behind more than speeches and photographs.

It has raised the possibility of a new phase in NUJ activities in Kwara State — a phase where journalists do not need to be persuaded to attend union programmes because they see genuine value in being part of them.

On Thursday, the message from the NUJ Press Centre was unmistakable.
The journalists came. They listened. They participated. And their presence spoke loudly.

For NUJ members, it was encouraging.
And for the leadership of the Kwara NUJ, it may well be a sign that a new level of member engagement is taking shape.