Alhaji Biola Azeez, the Kwara State Correspondent of Tribune Newspapers, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council.

Azeez’s election by affirmation brought an end to the tenure of the Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba-led executive committee.

The development will usher in a new leadership phase for the prestigious body of journalists reporting across the state.

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Also elected by affirmation were Ibrahim Alege of TVC as Vice Chairman, Sikirat Shehu of BusinessDay as Financial Secretary, and Afusat Agunbiade of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Treasurer.

In the only contested positions, Mosunmola Ayobami of Western Post defeated Olufemi Akobi of AIT by 27 votes to 4, while Oluseyi DaSilva of Arise TV triumphed over Taiye Joseph of Daily Graphics in another closely contested race.

The election was conducted in a very peaceful atmosphere.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Biola Azeez commended the immediate past executives of the chapel for their contributions and professionalism. He pledged that his administration would further strengthen the welfare of members and promote ethical journalism across the state.

He also assured that the new leadership would deepen collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders to enhance the media’s role as the watchdog of society.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has congratulated the newly elected executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel led by Alhaji Azeez.

In a congratulatory message issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor commended the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as a reflection of the maturity and unity within the Correspondents’ Chapel.

He also praised the immediate past chairman, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba of Channels Television, for a successful tenure and smooth handover process.

Professor Egbewole noted that the outcome of the election has further enhanced the public perception of the Correspondents’ Chapel, whose members form the core of the University of Ilorin Accredited Press Corps (UAPC).

While wishing the new leadership a successful tenure, the Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that the new executive would carry all members along and continue to uphold the noble ideals of journalism in the state.

Similarly, the Convener of One Kwara Agenda, Dr. Olufemi A. Adetola, has congratulated Alhaji Biola Azeez on his emergence as Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel.

In a statement made available in Ilorin, Dr. Adetola described Azeez’s election as a well-deserved recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and integrity in the practice of journalism.

He said the confidence reposed in the new chairman by his colleagues reflects the respect he commands within the media community, expressing hope that his leadership will further strengthen unity and ethical standards within the Chapel.

Dr. Adetola also prayed for wisdom, courage, and divine guidance for Azeez to succeed in his new role and to leave lasting legacies that would inspire younger journalists across the state.