The members of the new executive of the Lagos State chapter of The Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), have emerged after election was conducted by members in Lagos on Saturday.
In the new team are the chairman, Mr. Abiodun Ajala (THISDAY); Vice Chairman, Mr. Pius Okeosisi (Businessday); Secretary, Odutayo Odusanya; Assistant Secretary, Mr. Tony Eguaye(West Africa News); Treasurer, Mr. Akeem Salau (Vanguard); Financial Secretary, Suleimani Huisseni (New Telegraph) and Internal Auditor, Mr. Ayodele Adeniran (The Guardian).
The election, which was conducted at the premises of Lagos Television (LTV), had in attendance 26 members of PJAN with a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Mr. Folorunso Ogunekun on hand to conduct the swearing of oath by the officers into the various offices.
In his acceptance speech, which he titled ‘The New Dawn,’ the new chairman, who is the Photo Editor of THISDAY Newspapers, described the outcome of the election as a true expression of the members’ choice.
He said to the excited gathering that the trust reposed in him and his exco members would not be wished away.
He asked everyone to be rest assured that his administration would be pivoted on professionalism, leadership, teamwork and transparency.
“I am happy with the calibre of people that surround me; a new foundation is laid today as members will be treated like kings.
“I will organise a stakeholders’ meeting where the future of the association would be discussed soon . We are determined to pursue accountability, professionalism, transparency, integrity and prudence.
“Our projection is to classify our programmes into short, medium and long-term basis. The change we all desire would begin to manifest in no distant future.
“I appeal to members to join hands with us to build the association to that enviable height.
“This executive cannot do it alone and it is the duty of every member present here and those to join us to redeem the great image of our association .
“I appeal to us that we all come together to build PJAN as we have been robbed of everything that belong to us in terms of emoluments and royalties from our intellectual contributions.
“Our development is a function of our input as a group or association and we hope to involve all members to add value to our dear profession,” Ajala concluded.
However, members have started reacting after the inauguration of the executives
One of the members, Samuel Adetimehin, said “From what l just witnessed from the election, it was fair and free election. Even those contestants that were not on ground were still voted for. For this reason we can say the election was held and it was free and fair. What really determined an election was majority of electorate present at the poll and this is exactly what happened in today’s election.”
Another respondent and a veteran of the association, Mr. Dare lbironke said it was a beauty to behold.
“What happened today is a new birth for photojournalists in Lagos State for having understanding executives who are seasoned operators in photojournalism and understand the concerns of photographers. l believe the executives will be able to improve the activities of photographers in their various organisations. My prayer is that the ideas will come to fruition with the support of the members.” he submitted
