NIJ Alumni Elect Akintunde As National President

The Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association (NIJAA) has elected online newspaper publisher and public relations consultant, Muyiwa Akintunde, as its new National President.

Akintunde emerged at the association’s election held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, alongside other members of the new National Executive Council (NEC) who will steer the affairs of the association for the next phase of its development.

The election results were contained in a statement signed by the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Mark Akhuetie, on Sunday.

Other members of the new NEC are Isabella Adesola, Vice President; Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, General Secretary; Chika Nnamani, Assistant Secretary; Mark Akhuetie, National Publicity Secretary; Oluwapelumi Oluwayomi, Organising Secretary; and Adegbemi Adewale Esq., Legal Adviser.

In his acceptance speech, Akintunde thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and the new executive, describing the election as “a victory for every graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism who believes that our association, our institution and the journalism profession can attain greater heights.”

He commended the Caretaker Committee led by Matthew Idowu for successfully steering the affairs of the association over the past six months.

Akintunde also applauded the election subcommittee, headed by Dr. Adeboye Ola, for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible electoral process.

The new NIJAA president paid tribute to the immediate past president, Dr. Olusanya Awosan, and other past leaders for their contributions to the association.

He said their efforts had laid the foundations upon which successive administrations would continue to build.

In a gesture of inclusiveness, Akintunde acknowledged Benjamin Oluwaseun Sanni and Ayodeji Ake, who contested the positions of National Publicity Secretary and Organising Secretary respectively.

He said their decision to contest demonstrated a shared commitment to service, adding that the ideas and promises advanced during the campaign would be carefully considered by his administration.

Akintunde outlined a three-point agenda for the new administration, comprising leadership that listens, welfare and opportunities for members, and a stronger NIJ and NIJAA image.

He pledged to deepen members’ participation in the affairs of the association through town hall meetings, surveys and chapter consultations.

According to him, the initiative would ensure that the voices and concerns of members remain central to the association’s decision-making process.

On welfare and professional development, Akintunde promised to pursue initiatives aimed at creating employment and career opportunities, as well as training, mentorship and welfare support for members.

He also pledged stronger support for the Nigerian Institute of Journalism through infrastructure development, scholarships and advocacy.

The new president said his administration would promote the professionalism, relevance and dignity of journalists trained by the institution.

Addressing NIJAA chapters and members across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Australia and other locations, Akintunde described the chapters as “the engine of the association” and called for collective ownership of the new administration.

He urged members to put the election behind them and unite around the task of rebuilding and repositioning the association.

“We must move NIJAA from nostalgia to impact, from reunions to results,” he said.