Celebrating the Birth of a New Platform for Unity, Professionalism and Progress
Tuesday 15th is more than a celebration. It is the fulfilment of a dream, the triumph of perseverance and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of journalism in Ogun West.
The emergence of the Ogun West Independent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is the realisation of a long-standing aspiration of progressive journalists in Ota who, at different times, mobilised, advocated and worked tirelessly towards having a strong and independent platform where journalists could unite, grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to society.
For those who have followed this journey, this moment did not come overnight. It is the product of commitment, sacrifice, patience and an enduring belief that Ogun West deserves a strong and vibrant journalistic platform.
At this historic moment, special appreciation must go to our leader and frontline advocate, Comrade Chief Kayode Taiwo, whose determination and personal commitment have been instrumental to the actualisation of this dream.
He stood firmly behind the aspiration of the chapel and did everything within his capacity to ensure that the idea did not remain merely an ambition.
Indeed, leadership is not measured by the position one occupies, but by the difference one makes. Comrade Chief Kayode Taiwo has demonstrated the spirit of a leader who understands that genuine leadership is about sacrifice, service and creating opportunities for others.
We salute him and sincerely appreciate his invaluable contributions.
We also recognise and appreciate every member, leader and stakeholder who contributed to this journey.
Every encouragement, every meeting, every conversation, every sacrifice and every effort — big or small — contributed to bringing us to this point.
We particularly appreciate elder Comrade Sam Popoola, who has consistently identified with the aspirations of the chapel and remained supportive of its emergence.
To everyone who believed in the dream, this victory belongs to all of us.
We equally extend our profound appreciation to the Ogun State Council of the NUJ, particularly the State Chairman, Comrade Chief Olanrewaju Akinwale, for his commitment and determination towards making the Ogun West Independent Chapel a reality.
His support demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the state leadership and the grassroots structures of the Union.
Above everything, we give thanks to Almighty God.
Despite the challenges, disappointments and shortcomings that accompanied the journey, God kept us alive to witness this historic moment.
we have a responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices of yesterday produce a better tomorrow.
The establishment of the chapel must not become an end in itself.
The real work begins now.
This is the time for collective responsibility.
This is the time for effective and accountable leadership.
This is the time for unity.
This is the time to build bridges, not walls.
This is the time to work together as one family.
Our chapel must become a home where every journalist feels respected, recognised and valued; a platform where professionalism is promoted, members’ welfare receives attention, and the collective interest remains greater than individual differences.
We must build a chapel that future generations of journalists will look back upon with pride and say:
“They came together, they believed, they built, and they left something worthy behind.”
Our strength will not come merely from our numbers. It will come from our unity, integrity, professionalism, discipline and commitment to one another.
We may have different opinions, backgrounds and perspectives, but we must never lose sight of the greater purpose that brought us together.
The Ogun West Independent Chapel belongs to all of us.
Its success cannot be the responsibility of the chairman alone, the secretary alone, the leaders alone or a select group of members.
It is our collective responsibility.
We shall work together.
We shall support one another.
We shall correct one another with love and respect.
We shall celebrate one another’s achievements.
We shall defend the dignity of journalism.
And together, we shall build a chapel worthy of the name Ogun West Independent Chapel.
The dividends of a united and purposeful chapel will ultimately benefit us collectively and individually.
Today, therefore, we do not merely say welcome to a new chapel.
We welcome a new beginning.
We welcome a new responsibility.
We welcome a new opportunity to make a difference.
Welcome, Ogun West Independent Chapel.
Welcome to unity.
Welcome to professionalism.
Welcome to purposeful leadership.
Welcome to service.
Welcome to good deeds.
Congratulations to every one of us.
The journey has begun and together, we shall make it count.
Comrade Amb. Fashina Olugbenga,
Secretary
Ogun West Independent Chapel, NUJ
