The University of Ilorin Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, has endorsed the candidacy of a Senior Information Officer of the University, Mr. Mustafa Abubakar in his re-election bid as the Vice-Chairman of the State’s Council in the forthcoming 2021 State elections and delegates’ conference.
The endorsement was part of the Chapel’s decision at the congress of the chapel, held at the conference room of the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin last Tuesday.
While speaking on why he wants to be returned to office as vice chairman, Mustafa, who distanced himself from the misdemeanor of the current leadership which he said he is unfortunately a part of, noted that he will like to rekindle the unity of purposes promoted by the founding fathers of the great union and quench the current thirst for an inclusive union which he championed during all the State Working Committee executive meetings without success.
Mustafa, a veteran journalist known for his support of his female colleagues noted that since his personal efforts alone cannot give him victory at the poll, he is seeking the support of members of the chapel, which is his primary constituency, just as he seeks that of other chapels in the state.
He was a former Correspondent of Daily Trust Office in Ilorin and pioneer Administrative Head of Media, Trust Office in Ilorin solicited for the support of all eligible voters while promising to ensure reconciliation and healing of wounds if he is given massive support to be re-elected.
As the current vice chairman, Mustafa noted that many members still misunderstand his positions on issues concerning management of the union just as the western world misunderstood Nelson Mandela during his days as a freedom fighter and tagged him a terrorist, only for the same West to award Mandela a Nobel Peace Prize and help facilitate the South African truth and reconciliation process.
He promised to follow similar steps and clear the doubts that may be harboured by NUJ members on his positions on issues and encouraged them to approach him personally in other to serve the union better and create a more harmonious environment.
A serving Academic Secretary of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Ilorin Study Center, he is a former Secretary to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee and the Anti- Quackery Committee.
The Unilorin senior officer sponsored opinions for the approval of more Chapels over the years, which saw to the establishment of Unilorin Chapel as the only Campus Chapel in NUJ nationwide, National Orientation Chapel, SobiFM chapel; establishment of NUJ pen school and received commendation from the University of Ilorin authorities said he is determined to do more selfless services.
He is among few NAWOJIANS supporters, tested, trusted and confirmed assured loyalists, who if given the full support in the elections which comes up on July 10 will bring more assurance to the prosperity of a formidable Union put in place by the founding fathers.
