MR Mufutau Ojo, the immediate past Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged editorial staff of the agency to extend the same support he enjoyed during his tenure to his successor, Hajiya Hadiza Aliyu, to enable her succeed in her new role.
Ojo made the call on Monday during his send-off ceremony in Abuja.
He expressed appreciation to the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, the management, colleagues, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), family members and other well-wishers for their support throughout his career.
He described Hajiya Aliyu as a strong-willed and experienced journalist with about 32 years of experience in editing and newsroom management, expressing confidence that she would not disappoint the management.
Ojo appealed to the editorial staff to give her the confidence and cooperation they extended to him, stressing that the success of the new Editor-in-Chief would require the collective support of members of staff.
He said, “I want to plead with you, please, extend this confidence to my successor, Hajiya Hadiza Aliyu,” adding that staff should allow her to perform her duties without unnecessary distractions.
The immediate past EIC noted that Aliyu had acquired extensive experience in newsroom management over the years and was well equipped to handle the responsibilities of her new position.
He assured the management that Aliyu would justify the confidence reposed in her, while urging staff to support her in the same manner they supported him throughout his tenure.
Ojo also thanked NAN managing director for his support over the past three years, recalling that when Ali assumed office in October 2023, he assured members of the management team that he was not coming to take anyone’s job.
According to him, the assurance boosted the confidence of members of the management team and enabled them to continue performing their responsibilities effectively.
He said he was grateful for the confidence Ali reposed in him and other members of the management, noting that such trust contributed to the stability and effective administration of the agency.
Ojo also expressed gratitude to the former Managing Director of NAN, Mr Buki Ponle, whom he credited with bringing him back to Abuja in 2020 to serve as his Special Adviser.
He recalled that his appointment came unexpectedly after Ponle contacted him and invited him to join him in Lagos before subsequently appointing him as Special Adviser.
The retired EIC acknowledged individuals who contributed to the establishment of the Special Duties Department in the Office of the Managing Director, particularly Alhaji Abdulhadi Khalil, whom he described as having done well in creating the department.
He also appreciated his predecessor, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, and his colleague, Mr Ismail Abdulaziz, for their contributions aimed at restructuring and unbundling of the Editorial Department.
Ojo expressed appreciation to members of the NUJ for what he described as an unprecedented show of kindness, including visits, gifts and financial contributions from colleagues across the country, praying that God would reward their generosity.
He paid tribute to his wife of more than 30 years for her sacrifices and support throughout his journalism career, noting that the demanding nature of the profession often kept him away from home for long periods.
Ojo, who said retirement would give him more time to devote to his family, thanked his wife for standing by him and helping to raise their four children, two boys and two girls.
He urged younger staff to take advantage of the opportunities at NAN and allow experienced colleagues to mentor them.
He advised newly recruited journalists to understand that securing employment was only the beginning of their professional journey.
The immediate past EIC urged them to learn from senior colleagues, remain committed to their duties and make effective use of the opportunities provided by the agency.
Ojo expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, former and serving NAN management officials, NUJ members, colleagues, friends from other media organisations and other well-wishers who attended the ceremony.
He said the occasion was an opportunity to thank God and appreciate everyone who contributed to his professional journey.
The ceremony was marked by cheers and tributes from colleagues, who celebrated Ojo’s distinguished years of service and wished him a fulfilling and rewarding retirement.(NAN)
M.P
Tags: Retired NAN EIC support for successor
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