Persistent Intimidation: Kwara Correspondents to boycott NUJ Press Centre
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The crisis rocking the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has deepened following the directive of the Correspondents’ Chapel to its members not to attend henceforth any assignment or activity at the Council’s Press Centre pending the resolution of the internal dispute arising from the Chapel’s recently concluded 2026 Press Week.
The directive was part of resolutions reached during the Chapel’s Congress at the weekend, where members deliberated extensively on issues surrounding their just-held annual event.
Members decried alleged attempts by the parent body, particularly some individuals, to frustrate and truncate their press week with the sole aim of bringing the Chapel to disrepute.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Congress, the Chapel warned that sanctions would be imposed on any member of the Chapel who failed to comply with the directive.
In addition, the Congress also announced the blacklisting of the NUJ State Chairman, Abdullateef Ahmed of The Herald Newspapers and Yinka Alaya (Secretary) of the Radio Kwara, over alleged acts of intimidation and threats targeted at invited guests and supporters of the Chapel who were invited to the Press Week.
According to the communiquĂ©, “members and media platforms affiliated with the Correspondents’ Chapel have been directed to discontinue professional relationships and media engagements involving the duo.”
Specifically, the Congress raised concerns over the alleged intimidation of the Oloro of Oro, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye, who reportedly travelled to Ilorin for the programme but was allegedly “discouraged from attending due to fear of media backlash.”
The Chapel, however, commended the Press Week Committee led by Mallam AbdulHakeem Garba of The Channels Television for what it described as “the successful organisation of the 2026 Press Week activities,” noting that the programme was impactful and widely appreciated by stakeholders across the State.
The Congress expressed appreciation to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for his support and encouragement to journalists during the Press Week.
It also praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his yearly support towards the success of the event.
It acknowledged specially, the contributions of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the keynote speaker during the programme.
While reaffirming commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism and unity among members, the Correspondents’ Chapel noted that additional measures might be considered should the situation persist.
