Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi from Gombe State has emerged as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference held in Owerri, Imo State, Daily trust reports.

Yahaya secured a landslide victory with 436 votes, defeating Dele Atunbi of the FCT Council, who received 97 votes, and Muhammed Garba of the Kaduna Council, who scored only 39 votes.

Yahaya, who works with the Gombe Media Corporation (GMC), was the immediate National Deputy President of the NUJ and succeeds Chris Isiguzo as the president of the association.

Also, Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, a Deputy Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), also emerged unopposed as the Deputy National President.

All other positions were also returned unopposed.

In his acceptance speech, Yahya pledged to advance the interests and welfare of NUJ members, defend press freedom, and uphold high journalistic standards.

He emphasised collaboration with stakeholders to ensure journalists operate safely and freely while advocating for their rights and safety.

“My administration will focus on capacity-building initiatives, including workshops, training, and mentorship programs to enhance our members’ skills,” he stated.

The new NUJ president also highlighted plans to leverage technology and innovation to adapt to the evolving media landscape and foster stronger networks among journalists and media organisations.

Abdullahi further stressed the importance of collaboration with government bodies, civil society, and media owners to create a supportive environment for journalism to thrive in Nigeria.