Oyo NUJ @60: Diamond Jubilee Begins with Thanksgiving as Bishop Adelakun Charges Journalists on Hope, Perseverance -

IBADAN- The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has officially commenced activities marking its 60th anniversary, otherwise known as the Diamond Jubilee, 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, led by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, alongside members of the State Executive Council, chapel leaders and executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

Delivering a sermon titled “The Story and Glory,” the Founder and Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, shared reflections on his personal and ministerial journey, highlighting the struggles, challenges and experiences that preceded his achievements.

Drawing from his life experiences, the cleric emphasised the importance of gratitude to God, regardless of prevailing circumstances.

He urged members of the congregation to remain steadfast, focused and persistent in pursuing their goals, warning against discouragement and stagnation.

According to him, every stage of life has its appointed time for fulfilment, and individuals must learn to exercise patience rather than become overwhelmed by present difficulties.

Bishop Adelakun further encouraged the congregation not to give up on themselves, stressing that although people may sometimes struggle to understand the timing of their blessings, everything becomes beautiful in its appointed time.

He also called on them to maintain their faith in God, appreciate His goodness and remain hopeful throughout life’s different phases.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, described the Diamond Jubilee as a significant milestone in the history of the union.

He recalled that the Oyo State Council was the first state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to be established in the country.

Abas noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the council’s contributions to journalism over the past six decades while renewing its commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and adherence to legal standards in journalistic practice.

He also expressed gratitude to God for His protection over journalists in the state and prayed for continued divine guidance, wisdom and protection for members of the union.

The thanksgiving service formally ushered in a week-long programme of activities celebrating six decades of journalism practice, institutional growth and service to society in Oyo State.

The Diamond Jubilee celebration, scheduled for November 1–7, 2026, is themed “Celebrating the Past, Defending the Present and Shaping the Future.”

The anniversary activities are expected to bring together journalists, media stakeholders, veterans and other distinguished personalities to celebrate the council’s legacy and examine the future of journalism.