NAWOJ Honours Osun REC Babalola As Iconic Woman, Commends Tinubu On Her Elevation
Osun state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has honoured the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, as an Iconic Woman in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the electoral process.
The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for elevating Babalola to the position of INEC National Commissioner for the South West, describing the appointment as a recognition of hard work, competence and character.
The honour was done to her during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ members to the INEC office in Osogbo. The delegation was led by the Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola.
Ariwodola said the award was approved by members of the association as part of its decision to celebrate outstanding women who have distinguished themselves in their fields. She described Babalola as a woman of integrity, patience and professionalism, adding that her leadership style earned her the confidence and support of women journalists in the state.
According to her, Babalola’s management of the August 15 governorship election was marked by teamwork, orderliness, transparency and credibility, supported by careful planning, effective logistics, personnel training and stakeholder engagement.
She noted that the REC maintained professional standards and due process despite the pressures of managing electoral activities. Ariwodola further said Babalola promoted inclusiveness through voter education and engagement with women in markets, religious centres and rural communities, while ensuring that youths and persons with disabilities were included.
She added that Babalola used her office, intellect and integrity to raise the standard of leadership in public service, and that under her watch Osun delivered an election that restored confidence in the democratic process.
Responding, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola expressed appreciation to NAWOJ for the honour and acknowledged the support of journalists, civil society organisations, security agencies, political parties, youths and other stakeholders during her assignment in Osun.
She described the conduct of the governorship election as a collective achievement, stressing that continuous engagement with stakeholders helped the commission build confidence and cooperation.
Babalola said the commission delivered on its promise to conduct a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent election. She noted that incidents of violence were recorded in fewer than 10 polling units and were promptly brought under control with no injuries reported.
She assured that she would continue to uphold professionalism in her new assignment as National Commissioner and would not disappoint the women and communities that entrusted responsibilities to her.
At the Courtesy Visit was the Osun NAWOJ Secretary Oluwaranti Ojewumi, and members of the association, alongside the Osun INEC Administrative Secretary Dr Wahala Olayinka, and the Commission’s Heads of Departments, among others.