Osun NUJ To Mark 35th Anniversary, 2026 Press Week With Week-Long Activities

The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to commemorate its 35th anniversary alongside the 2026 Press Week with a series of activities aimed at promoting professionalism, unity, healthy living and camaraderie among journalists in the state.

The week-long celebration, scheduled for Friday, October 23, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, will feature religious services, a public lecture, health walk and medical screening, sporting activities, sanitation exercise, cultural display, award ceremonies, interaction with past leaders, an Asun Night and a thanksgiving service.

According to the programme released by the Council Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, the activities will begin with a Jumat service on Friday, October 23, at 2:00 p.m.

The opening ceremony and public lecture will follow on Monday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo.

On Tuesday, October 27, members of the union will participate in a health walk and medical check-up scheduled for 7:00 a.m., while the final of the Press Week sporting activities will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the Technical College, Osogbo.

The council has also introduced Sanitation Day and Cultural Day to the 2026 celebration. The sanitation exercise will hold on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00 a.m., followed by the Cultural Day at 11:00 a.m., with both activities taking place at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo.

Another major highlight will be the NUJ Award of Recognition, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m. The award is expected to honour members of the society who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.

The council also announced an expanded and rebranded NUJ Professional Awards, designed to recognise excellence, dedication and outstanding contributions by members of the union to journalism and the development of the profession.

On Friday, October 30, the council will host a special programme tagged “A Day with Past Leaders” at 3:00 p.m. at the NUJ Press Centre. The event will provide an opportunity for current members to interact with former leaders, share experiences and reflect on the history, achievements and growth of the council.

The day’s activities will climax with an Asun Night at 8:00 p.m. at the NUJ Press Centre.

The anniversary and Press Week celebrations will continue on Saturday, October 31, with “An Evening with the Royal Father” scheduled for 2:00 p.m., while the programme will officially come to an end with a church thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m.

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Osun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, said the anniversary and Press Week would provide an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of journalists to society while strengthening unity among members.

Aboderin added that the programme was designed to promote professionalism, encourage healthy living and provide an opportunity for members to reflect on the achievements of the council and chart a new course for its future.

He called on members to actively participate in the activities, describing the 35th anniversary as an important milestone in the history of the Osun NUJ.