Gbadamosi sworn in as Ondo chair, vows stronger service
Comrade Tola Gbadamosi has been officially sworn in as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ondo State Chapter, following the completion of her predecessor, Comrade Doris Olumoko’s, tenure. Gbadamosi, now elected in her own right, pledged to offer more impactful service and inclusive leadership.
In her acceptance speech, Comrade Gbadamosi thanked the members for the trust reposed in her during the completion of the last tenure as Chairperson of Ondo NAWOJ.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved over the past two years in advocating for the rights of women journalists, empowering women, supporting widows and vulnerable members of our society, and advocating for the rights of children who are victims of gender-based violence, child abuse and other related issues.”
She expressed her gratitude to the Ondo State NUJ, the parent body, for their unwavering support and guidance, which has been instrumental to their success. She also thanked the National Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, South West B Zone, Comrade Adeola Adekunle Omosola, for her consistent guidance and support.
She commended her executive members for their zeal and commitment during the last tenure, urging them to do even more—striving for excellence and continuing to make a difference in the lives of members. “Let’s continue to stand together as we maintain harmony without interference.”
“In this new dispensation, we promise to do more to amplify the voices of women, support their growth and development, and advocate for their rights. We will work tirelessly to ensure that our organisation remains a beacon of hope and empowerment for all,” she concluded.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Ondo State NAWOJ Electoral Committee (NAWOJECO), Mrs Adebukola Bardi, stated that all candidates who emerged unopposed during the election process underwent a thorough screening and vetting exercise to confirm their eligibility and commitment to the association’s objectives.
She emphasised that the transparent process was designed to uphold the integrity of the union, adding that each aspirant was evaluated based on their track record, contributions to NAWOJ, and readiness to serve with dedication.
Mrs Bardi also appreciated the peaceful conduct of the election, commending members for their cooperation and unity. She expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated executives, charging them to justify the trust reposed in them by delivering on their promises and advancing the cause of women journalists in the state.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Prince Leke Adegbite, congratulated the newly inaugurated executives—particularly Comrade Gbadamosi—on her emergence. He commended members of the association for their unity and cooperation, which he described as the driving force behind NAWOJ’s stability and progress. He noted that the spirit of “one house, one family” remains evident in their operations.
Prince Adegbite praised Comrade Gbadamosi for the achievements recorded during her previous tenure, stating that NAWOJ has, under her leadership, lived up to its core objectives of advocacy, empowerment, and professionalism. He encouraged her to sustain the momentum by consolidating on past gains while initiating new projects that will further elevate the association and amplify the voices of women journalists across the state.
He also urged other members of the executive to remain focused, transparent, and inclusive in the discharge of their duties. According to him, leadership in a professional body such as NAWOJ demands teamwork, discipline, and a commitment to the collective interest of all members. He expressed confidence that, with continued synergy, the new leadership would steer the association to greater heights.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairperson, South West B Zone, Comrade Adeola Adekunle Omosola, congratulated the newly elected executives and applauded the peaceful and well-coordinated electoral process.
She commended Comrade Gbadamosi for her dedication and consistent leadership, describing her as a trailblazer who has continued to raise the bar for women journalists in the state. Comrade Omosola encouraged the new team to work collaboratively and uphold the values of NAWOJ, especially in promoting professionalism, unity, and the welfare of members.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, while commending the peaceful conduct of the inauguration, noted that NAWOJ has redefined humanitarian service under the leadership of Comrade Gbadamosi.
Prince Adeniyan further reassured his unwavering support for the various programmes of NAWOJ in Ondo State, particularly those related to the welfare of widows and children.
Prominent among those who graced the occasion were members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and the General Manager of Crest FM, Akure, Mr Goddey Ighoteguono.
Also, the Osun State NAWOJ Chairperson, Ms Abisola Ariwodola, and a veteran and former NAWOJ National Auditor, Mrs Sola Jacobs, were in attendance to grace the occasion.
