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From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan.
The Group Managing Editor of Time Nigeria Magazine, Time Nigeria Online and The ArtDaily Nigeria, Mallam AbdulRahman Aliagan has emerged the new President of Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ).
Aliagan from the Abuja Chapter of the Guild scored 56.41 percent of the total votes cast by delegates to defeat Bolaji Israel from the Lagos Chapter who polled 43.59 percent during the virtual election held on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
40 financial members were accredited to participate in the election, which commenced early Wednesday.
Other elected executive members include, Oyewale Oyelola (Vice President 1-Administration & Communications Strategy), Comrade James Ezema (Vice President 2 -Investigations), Rowland Shuwa (General Secretary), Gbenga Shaba (Treasurer), Ifeoma Ikem (Auditor) and Abdullahi Gulloma (Public Relations Officer).
The position of Welfare Officer was declared vacant owing to the disqualification of one of the candidates.
The Chairman of NGIJ National Electoral Committee, Olalekan Oladigbo, while declaring Aliagan winner, charged the new team to be magnanimous in victory by bringing every member together for the progress of the Guild.
The new executive will serve for two years.
Addressing the audience after his victory, Aliagan expressed his immense gratitude for the trust and confidence reposed in him by his fellow NGIJ members.
The New President of NGIJ, AbdulRahman Aliagan, declared.
“I am both humbled and inspired by this honour, and I promise to dedicate my energy and passion to leading our Guild to new heights,” he said.
Aliagan, an Abuja-based Journalist who previously served as the pioneer General Secretary of the Guild, outlined his vision for the NGIJ, which includes forging new partnerships, strengthening ties with national and international organizations, and elevating the Guild to unprecedented heights.
“Together, we will promote democracy, foster good governance, and drive development not just in Nigeria but across the African continent,” he declared.
The new President also emphasized the importance of unity within the Guild, stating, “We may have had spirited debates and different perspectives during the campaign, but now is the time for us to come together as one, indivisible Guild. Our diversity is our strength, and I pledge to work tirelessly to harness the unique talents and experiences that each of you brings to the table.”
Aliagan’s election coincides with his birthday, making it a “double celebration” for the NGIJ and the new President. “I am truly humbled and overjoyed to share this moment with all of you, my cherished colleagues and friends,” he stated and toasted to a progressive Guild and a better Nigeria.
He hails from Ilorin, in Ilorin West Local Government area of Kwara State.
Aliagan has participated in several live Television and other conventional media programmes,promoting the Guild nationally and internationally on issues of topical interest.
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