In a smooth transition of leadership, Biola Azeez, the Kwara State correspondent of the Tribune newspapers, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council.

Azeez's emergence by affirmation marks the end of the tenure of the Mallam AbdulHakeem Garba-led executive committee, ushering in a new leadership phase for the elite body of journalists covering the state.

New Executive Committee

The following officials were also elected by affirmation:

• Vice Chairman: Ibrahim Alege (TVC)
• Financial Secretary: Sikirat Shehu (BusinessDay)
• Treasurer: Afusat Agunbiade (News Agency of Nigeria - NAN)

The election for the remaining positions saw contests:

• Secretary: Mosunmola Ayobami (Western Post) defeated Okufemi Akobi (AIT) by 27 votes to 4.
• Auditor: Oluseyi DaSilva (Arise TV) triumphed over Taiye Joseph (Kogi Graphics).

The new leadership is expected to build on the achievements of the outgoing executive in promoting professional excellence and strengthening collaboration between the media and public institutions in Kwara State.

In his acceptance speech, Biola Azeez commended the immediate past executives of the Chapel on the standard set, pledging that his administration would improve on professionalism and the welfare of members.

He also said that efforts would be made to improve on relationship with the government and other newsmakers in the state in order to perform more effectively and serve as a watchdog of the society.