“Whether the union will run a peaceful and smooth tenure, all depends on him. The union to face one crisis or the other will be to an extent determined by him. He is the middle man; he is the interface between the union and the members. He is likewise the interface between the union and the general public.”

The above quote from a colleague of mine recently gives credence to the role the secretary office plays in an organisation or union partucularly the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). NUJ is a body without a Public Relations Officer hence the secretary bears the burden of that office and that of his primary office (secretary). He is the brainbox of the Union. This is why this office must be entrusted on someone with the ability and experience. Someone who has the charisma, professional skills, and the human relations and not on ‘who know man or long leg.’

As members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State council warm up to elect members of executives that will pilot affairs of the Union for the next three years, Lateef Agboola is the man best fit for the secretary office. He is capable and reliable and likewise accountable.

READ ALSO: Poem: Lord, Please Bless Ebi, Preserve Him

Lateef is no accidental journalist. He is a well trained and professional journalist. He is a graduate of mass communication and Masters degree holder of Communication Art. So, Lateef is no push aside or push over person in the field of journalism.

Lateef, popularly called CLAM, has all the experience needed to take Osun NUJ to a greater heights. He is not a new comer or toddler in running the affairs of any union. This journalist cum musician (Fuji music) is a well experienced person in the position he is currently vying for at the state level. He had served as secretary of his chapel two times and presently serving as vice chairman of the same chapel. If Leteef is not good and capable, members of his chapel wouldn’t have entrusted him that sensitive position for two times and now the vice chairman. Least I forget, Lateef is a staff of the state-owned broadcast outfit (Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Osogbo, a leading broadcasting firm in the state and Southwest at large.

Lateef Agboola for secretary, Osun NUJ

Giving Lateef Agboola the secretary office is putting a round peg in a round hole. Lateef Agboola is the right man; no one amongst his co-contestants can do it better than he does. Lateef can deliver. He has the human relations; he has the skills. 2010 was the year I had opportunity to work with this man as intern in the state-owned broadcast station, but after leaving the station for several years, Lateef and I relationship is still very cordial and intact. This tells how friendly this man is! This is the type of person Osun NUJ needs as secretary.

READ ALSO: You Came, You Saw, You Conquered; Congratulations ASP David Ajousi

NUJ secretary office is a sensitive one that must be occupied by someone like Leteef. Someone who is friendly and has a listening hear like Lateef Agboola. Someone who will be ready to welcome and listen to the least member when he or she has something to say. Someone who can speak for the least member when the need arises.

Interestingly, Lateef is not just a journalist or Fuji artiste, the Lateef I know is an activist. For the short period I worked alongside with him, I saw this in him. He will never allow you to be denied of what is due for you. As an intern back then, I can recall many instances where he exhibited this even in assignment but time will not permit me to list such instances. He makes sure what was given to full staff was given to us as intern. Lateef is a team player that everyone loves to work with back then. He will definitely speak for Osun NUJ members if given the opportunity.

Yoruba bo woni, bi awo’o ka’ju ilu, yiya ni o ya. Awo Lateef kaju ilu. Eje ki Lati se; Lati lo le se.

Agboola Lateef is the right man for the secretary position. He had handle this office at the chapel level, he performed excellently. Please entrust him the state council’s office. Lateef will not disappoint you. He is up to the task.

READ ALSO: Edo Varsity Acquires First Of Its Kind CANVAS LMS/AIS, Trains Staff On Its Usage

Osun NUJ members, as you walk towards the polling boot, please put Lateef Agboola of OSBC at the back of your mind and cast your votes for him.

A vote for Lateef Agboola is a vote for accountability, transparency and equity.

Joseph Kanjo, a journalist, online publisher, wishing Osun NUJ members a peaceful election.
editor@infodailyng.com