The Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association (NIJAA) has elected a new National Executive Council (NEC) to steer the affairs of the association, with Olumuyiwa Akintunde emerging as the new National President.
Other members elected into the new executive are Adesola Isabella Omwen, Vice President; Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, General Secretary; Chika Nnamani, Assistant Secretary; Mark Akhuetie, National Publicity Secretary; Pelumi Oluwayomi, Organising Secretary; and Adegbemi Adewale, Legal Adviser.
In his acceptance speech on Sunday, August 23, 2026, Akintunde expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him and his team, describing their election as a victory for every graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism who believes the association, the institution and the journalism profession can attain greater heights.
He commended the caretaker committee led by Matthew Idowu for its work over the past six months, as well as the election subcommittee headed by Dr. Adeboye Ola, which he said conducted a transparent electoral process. Akintunde also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past president, Dr. Olusanya Awosan, and other past leaders for laying the foundation upon which successive administrations have built.
The new NIJAA president also recognised Benjamin Oluwaseun Sanni and Ayodeji Ake, who contested for the positions of National Publicity Secretary and Organising Secretary respectively, noting that their participation demonstrated their willingness to serve the association. He pledged that the promises they made during the campaign would be considered for possible implementation by the new administration.
Akintunde said the new leadership would build NIJAA around three key pillars: leadership that listens, welfare and opportunities for members, and strengthening the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the association’s image. He promised to establish channels for wider member participation through town hall meetings, surveys and chapter consultations, while pursuing employment opportunities, training, mentorship and welfare support for members.
He further pledged that NIJAA would support the institution through infrastructure development, scholarships and advocacy, while promoting the professionalism and dignity of NIJ-trained journalists. Addressing alumni chapters in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Australia and other locations, Akintunde described them as the engine of the association and urged all members to work with the new leadership to move NIJAA “from nostalgia to impact, from reunions to results.”
