From left: Photo Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Lamidi Bamidele; Financial Secretary, Photojournalists Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Micheal Otogo; Vice Chairman, Mr. Paul Timothy; Chairman, NUJ Lagos Council, Comrade Ajayi Adeleye; Chairman of PJAN, Comrade Bolaji Olasunkanmi; Secretary, Mayor Kazeem Bakenne; Assistant Secretary, Comrade Adeleke Ajebo; and Internal Auditor, PJAN, Mr. Abiodun Omotosho during their inauguration in Lagos yesterday
The Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, has urged Photojournalists to prioritise members welfare to further enhance productivity and boost the morale of members.
He gave the charge on Wednesday when he inaugurated the new executives of the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN) Lagos Chapter where Comrade Bolaji Olasunkanmi assumed office as the association’s seventh (7th) Chairman alongside other Executives.
Speaking further, Ajayi stated that it’s always a thrill to be in the midst of Photojournalists due to the pivotal role they play through pictures in shaping the nation, ” You are important stakeholders in nation building, However, I urge you to prioritise your members’ welfare and always present a united front. To the newly inaugurated executives, I heartily congratulate you. As Chairman, you must lead with purpose and carry your executives along at all times,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman, PJAN Electoral Committee, Mr. Bamidele Lamidi re-emphasised that the electoral process that brought in the new executives was free, fair, devoid of rancour, and enjoined them to take PJAN Lagos Chapter to enviable heights.
Similarly, the Immediate Past Chairman of PJAN, Princess Alaba Igbaroola, ably represented by her Vice- Chairman, Comrade David Adejo thanked members for their support during her tenure, extending her best wishes to the new executives.
In his address, the Chairman PJAN Lagos Chapter, Comrade Bolaji Olasunkanmi thanked the NUJ Lagos Council for their leadership as well as PJAN members for the confidence reposed in him, while reiterating that he will hit the ground running to deliver on his mandate in key areas as highlighted during his campaign to move the association forward, “Together, we can achieve so much. I therefore urge you to support us as executives to further harness our potential as photojournalists, ” Olasunkanmi added.
The highlight of the ceremony was the oath-taking as well as the handover of instruments of office to the New Chairman.
Dignitaries who graced the inauguration include Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, NUJ Lagos Council Chairman, Comrade Adewale Akodu, Director Strategy Centre Lagos Ministry of Information and Strategy, Comrade Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary, NUJ Lagos Council, Mr. Tunde Awoniyi, Pioneer Secretary, PJAN, Mr. Ashamu Adegbola, former Chairman, PJAN, Mr. Muili Bamidele, a tax Consultant, PJAN Veterans, members and well- wishers.
Photo: Joshua Omotosho
Olasunkanmi is an award winning journalist and media personality, widely known for his work in news coverage, society reporting, and lifestyle journalism.
He was amongst the journalists that covered the music festival for Thisday Style in (2008).
Olasunkanmi once produced a weekly bulletin for Trojan Football Club in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State as well as a weekly campaign bulletin for Labour Party, Ogun State.
His craft earned him a commendation letter from the Ogun State Government in recognition of his media inputs to the successful hosting of Gateway Games (2005).
He left as Special Assistant Media to the Managing Director/CEO, Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru in (June 2025).
He has attended several media trainings, including Metropolitan School of Business Management, Dubai Campus, a study tour of Nairobi, Kenya, Shonghai in Port-Novo, Benin Republic, Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic, Lagos, Nigeria, amongst others to hone his skills in journalism and has several awards in his kitty.
In 2022, Olasunkanmi authored his first book. “My Lens, My Odyssey:Times, People and Events. The book showcased dignitaries who have led remarkable Iives in various fields of endeavour and impacted lives in positive ways.
*By PAM JENNY*