The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has commenced activities marking its 60th anniversary with a thanksgiving service at Victory International Church, Wonder City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The service, held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, brought together journalists from across Oyo State, including members of the State Executive Council, chapel leaders and executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The gathering was led by the NUJ Oyo State Council Chairman, Akeem Abas, as the union commenced a series of activities to commemorate six decades of journalism practice and institutional development in the state.
Speaking on the theme, “The Story and Glory,” Founder and Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, used his personal and ministerial journey to illustrate the struggles, challenges and experiences that often precede success.
Adelakun reflected on the different phases of life he and his wife had encountered, urging members of the congregation to remain grateful to God irrespective of their present circumstances.
He encouraged the journalists and other worshippers to remain steadfast, focused and persistent, warning against discouragement and giving up in the face of difficulties.
According to the cleric, stagnation can impede progress, while every phase of life has an appointed time for fulfilment.
He urged people not to become overwhelmed by their challenges or lose confidence in themselves.
Bishop Adelakun said God makes everything beautiful in its time, noting that people sometimes fail to recognise the timing of their blessings because they do not immediately understand the circumstances surrounding their journeys.
He therefore called on the congregation to maintain faith in God, exercise patience and continually appreciate His goodness, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way.
In his remarks, Abas described the 60th anniversary as a significant milestone in the history of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ.
He recalled that the Oyo State Council was the first NUJ state council established in Nigeria, stressing that the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on its historical contributions to journalism and society.
The NUJ chairman said the council remained committed to promoting professionalism, ethical conduct and adherence to legal standards in journalism practice.
Abas also expressed appreciation to God for His protection over journalists in Oyo State, while seeking continued divine guidance, wisdom and protection for members of the union.
The thanksgiving service formally opened the activities for the Diamond Jubilee of the NUJ Oyo State Council, with journalists set to celebrate 60 years of professional practice, institutional growth and service to society.
