The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, has charged the newly inaugurated executives of the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), Lagos Chapter, to make members’ welfare a priority and foster unity within the association.
Ajayi gave the charge on Wednesday at the inauguration of the new PJAN Lagos executives, led by Comrade Bolaji Olasunkanmi, who assumed office as the association’s seventh Chairman.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ajayi described photojournalists as important stakeholders in nation-building, noting the significant role their images play in documenting events and shaping public narratives.
He urged the new leadership to remain united, purposeful and responsive to the needs of members.
«“You are important stakeholders in nation-building. I urge you to prioritise your members’ welfare and always present a united front. To the newly inaugurated executives, I heartily congratulate you. As Chairman, you must lead with purpose and carry your executives along at all times,” he said.»
Earlier, the Chairman of the PJAN Electoral Committee, Mr. Bamidele Lamidi, reaffirmed that the electoral process that produced the new executives was free, fair and devoid of rancour.
He congratulated the new leadership and urged them to build on the achievements of previous administrations while taking PJAN Lagos Chapter to greater heights.
Similarly, the Immediate Past Chairman of PJAN, Princess Alaba Igbaraoola, represented by her Vice-Chairman, Comrade David Adejo, appreciated members for their support throughout her tenure and wished the new administration success.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of PJAN Lagos Chapter, Comrade Bolaji Olasunkanmi, expressed appreciation to the NUJ Lagos Council for its leadership and to members of the association for the confidence reposed in him.
Olasunkanmi pledged to hit the ground running and implement key aspects of his campaign agenda aimed at repositioning the association and advancing the interests of photojournalists.
«“Together, we can achieve so much. I therefore urge you to support us as executives to further harness our potential as photojournalists,” he said.»
The ceremony featured the administration of the oath of office and the formal handover of the instruments of office to the new Chairman.
Among dignitaries who attended the inauguration were Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, NUJ Lagos Council; Comrade Adewale Akodu, Director, Strategy Centre, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy; Comrade Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary, NUJ Lagos Council; Mr. Tunde Awoniyi, Pioneer Secretary, PJAN; Mr. Ashamu Adegbola, former Chairman, PJAN; Mr. Muili Bamidele, Tax Consultant; PJAN veterans, members and well-wishers.
Olasunkanmi: A Career Behind the Lens
Olasunkanmi is an award-winning journalist and media personality with experience spanning news coverage, society reporting and lifestyle journalism.
He was among the journalists who covered the music festival for THISDAY Style in 2008. He also produced a weekly bulletin for Trojan Football Club in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, as well as a weekly campaign bulletin for the Labour Party in Ogun State.
His professional contribution earned him a commendation letter from the Ogun State Government for his media input into the successful hosting of the Gateway Games in 2005.
Olasunkanmi, who served as Special Assistant on Media to the Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, left the position in June 2025.
He has attended several professional development programmes and study tours, including the Metropolitan School of Business Management, Dubai Campus; a study tour of Nairobi, Kenya; Shonghai in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic; and the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, among others.
His professional career has also earned him several awards and recognitions.
In 2022, Olasunkanmi authored his first book, My Lens, My Odyssey: Times, People and Events, which chronicles the lives and contributions of notable personalities who have distinguished themselves in various fields and positively impacted society.