The Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association (NIJAA) has elected a new National Executive Council (NEC) to lead the association through the next phase of its development.

The seven-member NEC, elected on August 23, 2026, after a two-day election held from August 21 to 22, saw Olumiyiwa Akintunde emerge as National President and Adesola Omwen as Vice President.

Other members include General Secretary Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji; Assistant Secretary Chika Nnamani; National Publicity Secretary Mark Akhuetie; Organising Secretary Pelumi Oluwayomi; and Legal Adviser Adegbemi Adewale.

The National President of NIJAA outlined a three-point agenda for the new administration, which includes inclusive leadership, welfare and opportunities for members, and a stronger NIJ and NIJAA image.

Akintunde pledged to deepen members’ participation through town hall meetings, surveys and chapter consultations, ensuring that their voices and concerns remain central to the association’s decision-making process.

On welfare and professional development, the new president promised to pursue initiatives that would create employment and career opportunities, training, mentorship and welfare support for members.

Akintunde also pledged stronger support for the Nigerian Institute of Journalism through infrastructure development, scholarships and advocacy, while promoting the professionalism, relevance and dignity of NIJ-trained journalists.

He thanked members of the association for their confidence in him and the new executive, describing the outcome of the election as “a victory for every graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) who believes that the association, institution and the journalism profession can attain greater heights.”

Akintunde praised the Caretaker Committee, led by Matthew Idowu, for steering the association over the past six months and commended the Election Sub-committee, headed by Dr Adeboye Ola, for conducting a transparent and credible electoral process.

The new president also recognised the contributions of the immediate past president, Dr Olusanya Awosan, and other former leaders, noting that their efforts had laid the foundation for successive administrations to build on.

Addressing NIJAA members and chapters across Nigeria and those in the diaspora, Akintunde described them as the “engine of the association” and called for collective ownership of the new administration.

He urged members to unite around rebuilding and repositioning the association.

“We must move NIJAA from nostalgia to impact, from reunions to results. With the election of the new NEC, NIJAA now enters a new chapter that places greater emphasis on service, member welfare, professional development, institutional support and a stronger public identity for the association,” he said.

Akintunde noted that the new leadership’s challenge is to turn campaign promises into measurable action and ensure members’ confidence translates into tangible results for NIJAA and the wider NIJ community.