The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has congratulated Mr. Olumuyiwa Akintunde on his election as National President of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association (NIJAA).
Chairman of the GIMP-Nigeria Governing Board, Mr. Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, in a congratulatory message on Monday, described Akintunde’s emergence as an opportunity to reposition NIJAA as a stronger platform for professional development, members’ welfare, mentorship and constructive engagement with the Nigerian media industry.
Abdulmalik particularly commended Akintunde’s four-point agenda centred on Unity and Welfare; Professional Growth and Mentorship; Institutional Support; and Voice and Impact, describing it as timely and responsive to the needs of NIJ alumni and the journalism profession.
“On behalf of the Governing Board, management and members of GIMP-Nigeria, I warmly congratulate Mr. Olumuyiwa Akintunde on his well-deserved election as National President of NIJAA.
“His emergence comes at a time when the media profession requires stronger institutions, deeper professional solidarity, effective mentorship and credible voices capable of defending ethical journalism and promoting responsible national discourse,” he said.
The GIMP-Nigeria chairman said the emphasis on unity was particularly important in a diverse country such as Nigeria, where media professionals must work across religious, ethnic and geographical boundaries to promote peace and national cohesion.
He also welcomed the proposed mentorship programmes, internships, masterclasses, employment opportunities and stronger links among NIJ alumni, students and employers.
“Every generation of media professionals has a responsibility to prepare the generation coming behind it,” Abdulmalik said, adding that the proposed programmes could help bridge the gap between the classroom and the newsroom.
He further commended the new NIJAA leadership for its plan to provide institutional support to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, saying alumni should remain active partners in strengthening the institution that shaped their professional careers.
Abdulmalik also endorsed NIJAA’s ambition to become a stronger voice on media policy, press freedom, ethical journalism and national issues.
He said journalists had a responsibility to promote truth, fairness and responsible public discourse, noting that the media could either deepen divisions or foster understanding through the language and issues it chooses to amplify.
He urged the new National Executive Council to translate its agenda into practical programmes that would deliver measurable benefits to members and strengthen the association.
The GIMP-Nigeria chairman also called on NIJ alumni in Nigeria and the Diaspora to support the new leadership and contribute their experience, ideas and professional networks to the association’s development.
“Leadership cannot succeed in isolation. The success of this administration will depend not only on the elected executives but also on the collective participation of the entire alumni community,” he said.
Abdulmalik expressed GIMP-Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with NIJAA and other professional media organisations on initiatives promoting peace journalism, interfaith dialogue, ethical media practice and national unity.
He wished Akintunde and the new NIJAA executive a successful tenure, saying the Guild looked forward to “a new chapter of unity, service, professional renewal and enduring impact.”
