It was fun and excitement when the new executive committee members of the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria, PJAN, were being inaugurated over the weekend.
The swearing-in oath was administered on the new officers by the Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos State chapter, Olaleye Ajayi on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the boardroom of the Ladi Lawal Press Center, Alausa, Ikeja.
He was ably assisted by by the union’s Secretary, Olatunde Olalere.
The newly sworn-in PJAN executives is to be led by Alaba Igbaroola, who emerged chairman; thus taking over mantle of leadership from former chairman, Otunba Kolawole Olasupo, who’s the Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Photojournalism.
The occasion also saw the emergence of David Adejo elected as vice chairman and Kazeem Bakenne, who will serve as the secretary of PJAN, Lagos chapter.
The new chairman, Alaba Igbaroola while delivering her acceptance speech enumerated her vision and commitment to serve PJAN with confidence reposed on her as the first female chairman of the association. She therefore promised not to let down the trust of the male dominated profession on her for the exalted seat.
The former photo editor of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper, who was also a former Special Assistant on Photography to the former governor of Oyo State, late Alao Akala, further promised to prioritize welfare of the members on her agenda.
The newly inaugurated chairman also stated to build on accountability being the foundation upon which any organization, especially a professional body like PJAN could stand in order to be effective in work ethics and also to uphold the public trust.
She emphasized membership Training and Development would not be relegated to the background but must be a vital aspect of drastic growth in the association.
Welfare
“Our members are the lifeblood of PJAN, without your dedication and hard work, we would not be the influential body we are today, therefore, It is my commitment to prioritize membership welfare, as well as ensuring that every member’s rights and interests are protected.”, she emphasized.
Igbaroola, Contributing Editor at Parrot Xtra Media Network further promised to explore opportunities for insurance coverage, access to legal support, and other benefits that would enhance members’ well-being.
Others who took oath of office includes, Abiodun Omotosho (Assistant Secretary), Kolawole Aliu (Treasurer), Leke Adebanjo as Financial Secretary while Paul Timothy will serve as Internal auditor respectively. The new executive committee will serve a tenure of 3 years in the first instance.
The event was also witnessed by other members of NUJ from Lagos and Oyo states, publishers/editors, as well as some foundation members of PJAN.
PJAN as an association was inaugurated in April, 1993 to serve the interests of photojournalists and news photographers in the print and broadcast media. It also caters for the welfare of retired and veteran photojournalists in times of need and distress.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
