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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a warm tribute to an esteemed figure in Nigerian journalism and former National Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Jola Ogunlusi, as he celebrates his 90th birthday.
In a letter dated October 12, 2024, Tinubu expressed admiration for Chief Ogunlusi’s outstanding contributions to journalism and union leadership.
Reflecting on Chief Ogunlusi’s influential career, the President commended his tenure as the NUJ’s first National Secretary, where Ogunlusi navigated the union through challenging periods, ultimately solidifying its role as a respected institution.
Ogunlusi also served as Secretary of the Nigeria Press Organisation and was a board member of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, leaving an indelible mark on each position.
Tinubu acknowledged Ogunlusi’s dedication to upholding integrity and journalistic excellence, remarking that his legacy continues to inspire today’s journalists and union leaders.
The President further noted that Ogunlusi’s commitment serves as a benchmark for young journalists and unionists alike, emphasizing that his influence has positively shaped the profession.
Tinubu encouraged him to continue guiding upcoming journalists, ensuring that the NUJ remains a champion of professional standards.
“It gives me immense pleasure to write this letter and congratulate you on reaching 90 on September 25, 2024.
“Attaining this age is an important milestone, which has come as an icing on your remarkable career as a veteran journalist and a reputable unionist.
“You were the pioneer National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Secretary of the Nigeria Press Organisation, and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism Board.
“Because you discharged yourself creditably in all these capacities, describing you as an exemplary professional journalist who lives and breathes journalism is obvious.
“You served the NUJ resolutely and ensured it catered to the interests of its members. As the first NUJ National Secretary, you steered the association through the turbulent period, stabilising it and making sure the union reached the enviable status it has achieved today.
“Your invaluable contributions to the Fourth Estate of the realm and, by extension, to the country are well documented and appreciated.
“Today’s journalists can learn a lot from you about maintaining integrity, honesty, and a commitment to journalism excellence. Your influence on the next generation of journalists is immeasurable.
“You are also a shining example to our budding unionists because, as NUJ Secretary, you demonstrated that union leadership should not be a money-making venture.
“Thank you for your services to the media profession and the country. Your leadership has been instrumental in shaping the profession and ensuring its integrity. Please continue to guide the younger generation and ensure that the NUJ remains virile and can whip into line media practitioners who veer off the path of professionalism.
“I pray that God Almighty will grant you good health and strength even at this advanced age,” the President wrote.
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