OYEBANJI’S TOURISM DG, WALE OJO-LANRE, TO CHAIR OYO NUJ 60TH ANNIVERSARY

The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, has been appointed Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the 60th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council.
The appointment places the respected journalist, lawyer, tourism administrator and former two-term Chairman of the Oyo State NUJ at the head of preparations for the council’s Diamond Jubilee.
The Oyo State NUJ, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, and Secretary, Comrade Temidayo Adu, stated that the committee would coordinate and oversee the programmes and activities commemorating the union’s six decades of professional journalism, institutional growth, and service to society.
Other members of the Central Planning Committee are Mr Sola Oladapo, Mr Kemi Olaitan, Mr Semiu Azeez, Mrs Bukola Owolabi, Mrs Olubunmi Olalere and Mrs Phebean Ojo.
As part of the preliminary activities for the celebration, Ojo-Lanre met with Comrade Akeem Abas and members of the Oyo NUJ State Executive Council in Ibadan on Monday, June 29, 2026.
During the engagement, the committee chairman received a detailed briefing on the union’s vision and expectations for the anniversary and exchanged ideas with the leadership on the scope, character and strategic direction of the celebration.
Ojo-Lanre assured the council leadership that the Diamond Jubilee would be treated not merely as another social gathering, but as an important opportunity to document the history, sacrifices, struggles, accomplishments and contributions of journalists to the political, economic and social development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
He said the celebration should honour the veterans who built the council, recognise individuals and institutions that have supported journalism, showcase the achievements of the union and create a platform for discussing the future of the profession in the digital age.
According to him, the anniversary must reflect the dignity, intellectual depth and historical importance of the journalism profession.
“Sixty years in the life of a professional institution is a significant milestone. It is an opportunity to remember those who laid the foundation, celebrate those sustaining the institution and prepare the younger generation of journalists for the challenges ahead.
“The Oyo State Council has produced outstanding journalists, editors, broadcasters, media administrators and public officers who have made remarkable contributions to Nigeria. Their sacrifices and accomplishments must be properly documented and celebrated,” Ojo-Lanre said.
He thanked the Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, the State Executive Council and the entire membership of the union for finding him worthy of the responsibility.
He described his appointment as a call to serve an institution that played a defining role in his professional and leadership development.
The appointment is widely regarded as a homecoming for Ojo-Lanre, whose professional journalism and trade-union leadership were substantially nurtured in Oyo State.
A DISTINGUISHED JOURNALIST AND UNION LEADER
A lawyer by profession and an accomplished journalist, Ojo-Lanre is an Associate Editor in charge of Tourism with the Nigerian Tribune.
He previously served as Secretary of the Nigerian Tribune Chapel of the NUJ and later became a two-term Chairman of the chapel.
He subsequently served for two terms as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council.
His leadership of the council was marked by institutional development, professional capacity building, improved welfare advocacy and greater exposure for members.
He became the first Oyo State NUJ Chairman to be returned unopposed for a second term—an endorsement attributed to the accomplishments and stability recorded during his first tenure.
Ojo-Lanre also pioneered international professional exposure for members of the council by leading a delegation of Oyo State journalists to Ghana for an international engagement with the late former President of Ghana, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.
That historic initiative broadened the professional outlook of participating journalists and strengthened the council’s engagement beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He was also instrumental in the reopening and revitalisation of the Ibadan campus of the International Institute of Journalism, thereby expanding access to professional journalism education and training for practising and aspiring journalists in Oyo State.
Beyond trade-union administration, Ojo-Lanre has occupied several strategic positions in journalism, government, culture and tourism.
He served as Chief Press Secretary to a former Governor of Ekiti State, Engineer Segun Oni, and as President of the Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria.
He was Director-General of the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture and later served as Senior Special Assistant on Tourism Development to former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
He currently serves as Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development under the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Under his leadership, the Bureau has pursued tourism policy development, destination promotion, institutional partnerships, heritage conservation, investment mobilisation and the repositioning of Ekiti State as an increasingly visible tourism destination.
A STRONG ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION
Ojo-Lanre holds a degree in History Education from Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, then affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He also holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Ibadan and a Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism.
His international professional qualifications include a Certificate in Journalism from the Centre for Foreign Journalists in the United States and a Certificate in Green Growth and Travelism from Hasselt University, Belgium.
His combined experience in journalism, law, public administration, tourism, culture, conflict studies and international engagement is expected to enrich the planning and execution of the Oyo NUJ Diamond Jubilee.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, is an editor with the News Agency of Nigeria. He was elected in December 2025 alongside other executive members, including Vice Chairman Abiodun Atilola, Secretary Temidayo Adu and Treasurer Moses Morenikeji.
The anniversary planning committee is expected to work closely with the State Working Committee, former leaders, chapels, veteran journalists, media organisations, government institutions, corporate bodies and other stakeholders to deliver a memorable celebration.
The proposed anniversary programmes are expected to include intellectual engagements, professional development activities, historical documentation, recognition of deserving personalities, social events and other initiatives commemorating six decades of organised journalism in Oyo State.
Further details concerning the anniversary theme, programme of activities, dates and participation arrangements will be announced by the council and the Central Planning Committee.