The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, has urged the newly inaugurated leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel to prioritise peace, unity and reconciliation, saying the chapel must first put its house in order to regain the respect and influence it deserves.

Olanrewaju gave the charge on Wednesday, during the inauguration of the new executive of the Correspondents’ Chapel at its Secretariat in Abeokuta, where Comrade Yetunde Fatungase of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged as the new Chairperson.

He said observations from afar suggested that the chapel had been weakened by disunity and internal bickering, warning that a divided house could neither effectively hold those in authority accountable nor command the respect of the public.

“The bickering and division that nearly crippled this Chapel must remain behind us, because a house divided can never hold power to account, nor can it command the respect of the public,” he said.

The NUJ chairman stressed that there was no rivalry between the state council and the Correspondents’ Chapel, urging the new leadership to strengthen the relationship between both bodies as well as build stronger ties with other NUJ chapels across the state.

“What do we need from you? Unity. There’s no rivalry between council and the chapel,” Olanrewaju said, adding that the chapel could only secure the respect it demanded when it put its own house in order.

He further urged the new executives to embrace members who might have disagreed with them during the election process, describing leadership as a call to service rather than a platform for personal ego.

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers,” he said, charging the new administration to make its tenure one of healing, mutual respect and professional focus.

Olanrewaju also urged the Correspondents’ Chapel to strengthen its professional relationship with other chapels, noting that careless utterances by some past leaders had created strains within the union.

He charged the new leadership to support the council in holding those in authority accountable, while also ensuring that the chapel remained committed to professional standards and internal discipline.

The NUJ chairman specifically tasked the new administration to make arrangements for the payment of professional and practising fees by members, stressing the importance of meeting the obligations required for effective professional practice.

Responding, the newly inaugurated Chairperson, Fatungase, said she was deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in her and the new executive, promising to lead with fairness, transparency, humility and respect for every member.

Fatungase, a Senior Editor with NAN, said leadership was not about occupying a position but about serving the people who entrusted the responsibility to the leadership.

She acknowledged that the chapel, like every human organisation, had its challenges, including grievances from some members over aspects of its affairs, assuring that genuine concerns would not be dismissed or treated with contempt.

“Where there are genuine grievances, we will create a constructive avenue for members to express themselves, be heard and seek appropriate resolution of grievances,” she said.

According to her, members might not always agree on every issue, but disagreements should not degenerate into bitterness, personal attacks or division.

“Our differences should challenge us to improve the association rather than tear it apart,” she said, appealing to members to give peace, dialogue and understanding a chance.

Fatungase pledged that her administration would promote open communication, listen to members and carry them along in decisions affecting the association.

She also called for courage to acknowledge and correct mistakes, clarify misunderstandings and seek common ground where differences exist.

“The strength of this association lies not in its leadership alone, but in the collective commitment of all its members,” she said.

Fatungase appealed for members’ support, cooperation and constructive criticism, urging them to put aside bitterness and suspicion and focus on professionalism, integrity, truth and service to society.

“I extend an open hand to every member, including those who may have reservations about this administration. There is room for everyone at the table, and together, through mutual respect and genuine dialogue, we can move this association forward,” she said.

Other members of the new executive are Hakeem Adegbenro of Blueprint, Secretary; Gift Oba of Daily Post, Treasurer; Lauretta Oaihimire of Standard Times, Financial Secretary; and Kola Olayinka of Business NG, Assistant Secretary.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Comrade Sulaiman Fasasi, commended members of the chapel for their support and cooperation throughout the electoral process.

Fasasi particularly appreciated the leadership of the Ogun State Council for its support, while also acknowledging the contribution of the immediate-past Credentials Committee led by Laide Raheem, describing its work as a stepping stone to the successful conclusion of the latest exercise.

He noted that all the positions were contested unopposed and invited the council leadership to affirm the candidates and conduct their swearing-in.