By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
OLUMIYIWA AKINTUNDE has emerged as National President as members of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association (NIJAA) elected a new seven-member National Executive Council (NEC) on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Akintunde secured the position alongside six other members of the NEC which includes: 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.
Accepting his election, Akintunde thanked members for their confidence in him and the new executive, describing the outcome as “a victory for every graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) who believes that our association, our institution and the journalism profession can attain greater heights.”
He praised the Caretaker Committee, led by Matthew Idowu, for steering the association over the past six months and commended the Election Subcommittee, headed by Dr Adeboye Ola, for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible electoral process.
The new president also recognised the contributions of immediate past president Dr Olusanya Awosan and other former leaders, saying their efforts had established foundations for successive administrations to build on.
Akintunde extended the same recognition to Benjamin Oluwaseun Sanni and Ayodeji Ake, who contested the positions of National Publicity Secretary and Organising Secretary respectively.
He said their participation reflected a shared commitment to service and pledged to consider the ideas and promises they presented during the campaign.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that Akintunde promptly outlined three priorities for his administration: leadership that listens, welfare and opportunities for members, and a stronger NIJ and NIJAA image.
He said his administration would use town hall meetings, surveys and chapter consultations to increase member participation and ensure their concerns remain central to decision making.
He further pledged initiatives focused on employment and career opportunities, training, mentorship and welfare support for members.
For the NIJ, Akintunde promised stronger support through infrastructure development, scholarships and advocacy, while seeking to promote the professionalism, relevance and dignity of NIJ trained journalists.
Addressing NIJAA members and chapters in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), Japan, Australia and other locations, he described the chapters as “the engine of the association” and called for collective ownership of the new administration.
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