Leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in the South West zone have resolved that unity between both bodies remains non-negotiable, urging members to always speak with one voice on professional and institutional matters.
This formed part of resolutions reached at the close of the Joint South West Leadership Retreat of NUJ and NAWOJ, held from July 16 to 18, 2026, at the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan, Oyo State. The retreat, themed “Collaboration, Capacity, and Sustainability for the Future of Journalism,” was hosted by the Oyo State Council of NUJ and co-hosted by the Ogun State Council.
The event brought together national officers, zonal leaders, state chairmen and chairpersons, secretaries, and members of the State Working Committees of NUJ and NAWOJ from across the six South West states.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat, the union leaders reaffirmed that the NUJ remains the parent body for all its affiliated associations, stressing that its leadership structure takes constitutional precedence and that leadership positions must be handled with humility and respect.
The zone also declared its readiness to host the forthcoming NUJ National Media Summit in the South West, while commending the national leadership of the NUJ under Comrade Yahya Alhassan for initiatives aimed at improving journalism practice in the country.
On national economic issues, the retreat urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to commence negotiations on reviewing the current national minimum wage of N70,000, noting that inflation has significantly eroded its value.
The union leaders further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over ongoing major road construction projects in the South West, calling on contractors to step up work for timely completion.
On the political front, NUJ and NAWOJ applauded the peaceful conduct of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, and challenged stakeholders to ensure a similarly hitch-free process during the forthcoming 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The retreat also commended the NUJ Deputy National President, Dr (Mrs) Abimbola Oyetunde, and the NUJ B-Zone Vice President, Princess Aderonke Afebioye-Samo, for fostering stability and unprecedented unity within the South West zone. Appreciation was also extended to the Oyo State Council of NUJ for successfully hosting the retreat with the support of the other five state councils in the zone.