Lagos, Nigeria — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Information Chapel, held a special congress and staged a novelty football match on Wednesday at the NUT Hall, Agidingbi Primary School, Ikeja, and the school’s football pitch, to honour its retiring members and celebrate outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, in recognition of his years of dedicated service and leadership.
The event opened with the congress, where members paid glowing tributes to the retirees for their contributions to the Lagos State Government and the growth of the Ministry of Information and Strategy. Speakers described them as exemplary public servants whose professionalism and commitment had left a lasting legacy within both the ministry and the journalism profession.
The tone shifted from ceremony to celebration as members moved to the football pitch for a novelty match organised exclusively in Bajulaiye’s honour. Team Omotoso took an early lead, delighting supporters, before Team Bajulaiye equalised to level the contest. Unable to be separated after regulation time, the match went to penalties, where Team Bajulaiye held their nerve to win 4–2, claiming bragging rights in a contest marked by excitement, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.
The day’s highlight came with the unveiling of branded football jerseys, donated by former Chapel Chairman, Comrade Wale Akodu, to support the chapel’s sporting activities and future novelty matches.
