In a significant leadership transition for the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Joshua Uloko of The Pride Newspaper was elected as the General Secretary during the association’s triennial elections held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Mike Okiro Press Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
The keenly contested election saw Uloko defeat the incumbent, Niran Odufayo, with a decisive 22 votes to 8, marking a pivotal shift in the association’s secretariat. His victory is widely viewed as a mandate for renewed energy, transparency, and dedication to the professional advancement of crime reporters nationwide.
Uloko joins a reconstituted CRAN executive led by re-elected President Olalekan Olabulo of The Tribune, who secured another term following a successful first tenure. Other key officers elected include Evelyn Usman of Vanguard as Vice President, Chiemelie Ezeobi of ThisDay as Treasurer (unopposed), Ismaila Oguntade of Leadership as Financial Secretary, and Taiwo Jimoh of New Telegraph as Public Relations Officer and Auditor (both unopposed). Titilope Joseph of Daily Independent was also elected as Assistant Secretary.
The oath of office was administered by Barrister Yinka Sanni, who charged the new executive with upholding the principles of ethical journalism and professional unity.
Comrade Tunde Olaleye, Secretary of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who supervised the election, commended CRAN for conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible process. He urged other beat associations to learn from CRAN’s exemplary conduct.
The election marked the conclusion of the previous three-year administration and was preceded by the formal dissolution of the outgoing executive, led by President Olabulo. The Electoral Committee, chaired by Frank Oshanugo, ensured a smooth and democratic transition.
Also present at the event were representatives from the NUJ Lagos Council and the Lagos State Police Command, including CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, representing Commissioner CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.
Joshua Uloko’s emergence as General Secretary signals a new chapter for CRAN, promising innovation and a stronger voice for members as the association continues to play a critical role in Nigeria’s crime reporting and media landscape.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
