*Promises Journalists’ Village, improved professional efficiency
By Jonathan Lois
History was made Wednesday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), when Comrade Grace Ike of the Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) emerged unopposed as the chairman of the Council for the next three years.
Ike, who was the immediate-past chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps beat three other male opponents to emerge winner unopposed.
Ike is the first female to ever aspire to the office since the FCT Council emerged.
The other three male challengers, names withheld, ended their ambitions at the level of aspiring to the position as the four of them failed to pick nomination forms to fully express their interests.
The three aspirants have, however, approached the National Industrial Court (NIC) seeking to get the election nullified, but it is doubtful if they can clothe the court with jurisdiction to hear their prayers, since they did not obtain nomination forms to participate at the election.
During the election, the immediate-past Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Jide Oyekunle, emerged as the council’s secretary.
Also, Comrade Ndambabo Yahaya, was elected as the Vice-Chairman, while Mrs. Sandra Udeike, of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) emerged as the Treasurer.
Although the national Secretariat of the NUJ charged with the constitutional responsibility of supervising and overseeing state council elections had cleared the four candidates as unopposed and declared elected, Mr. Henry Umoru, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, which screened aspirants and conducted the election, insisted that an affirmation votes would be cast, which was what was eventually done.
During her acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in 17th Chairman, Grace Ike, promised journalists of revolutionalising development programmes at the Council as well as kick off the much desired Journalists Village.
Ike declared during the ceremony thst she was able to scale all hurdles due mainly to the massive support of members, their prayers and the goodwill of people who mean well for the union.
She also congratulated the recently-elected National Working Committee of NUJ during the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference, in Owerri, Imo State, where Alhassan Abdulahi Yahya emerged as National President.
According to her, their emergence “signifies a fresh chapter for our union at the national level”, and pledged the support of the FCT Council to collaborate with the national body to strengthen and uphold the ideals of the journalism profession.
She stated: “As I assume this noble office, I am guided by the timeless words of John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” With this wisdom, we will navigate a path toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.
“A Vision for Progress; Welfare:
The welfare of our members remains a cornerstone of this administration. From affordable health insurance schemes to empowerment initiatives, every member will feel the positive impact of our leadership.
“Training and Capacity Building:
Continuous learning is vital for professional growth. To this end, we will facilitate opportunities for both local and international training programs. As a flagship initiative, we will sponsor 20 members for the 2024/2025 Postgraduate Program at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) with a 50% subsidy—just the beginning of our capacity-building plans.
“Infrastructure and Sporting Activities: Transforming our press center into a world-class facility will be a priority. Additionally, we will promote wellness and camaraderie through regular sporting activities, fostering a healthy body and a sound mind.
“Committees for Success:
We will establish dedicated committees with clear mandates and measurable deliverables to drive our collective aspirations.
“Media Enhancement Bill:
In collaboration with the NUJ National Secretariat, we will actively advocate for the passage of the Media Enhancement Bill to safeguard and elevate journalism as a profession.
“Inclusivity and Transparency:
Inclusivity and transparency will form the bedrock of this administration. Every voice will be heard, and our financial records will remain open, ensuring accountability and trust.
“Empowerment and Recognition:
We will introduce a Creative Writing Workshop Endowment in early 2025 to nurture creativity and innovation among our members, further empowering them to excel.
“Annual General Meetings and Financial Prudence:
We will institutionalize Annual General Meetings (AGMs) as a platform for reflection, evaluation, and redirection, ensuring fiscal discipline and operational efficiency.
“Journalists’ Village and Professional Integrity:
Realizing the dream of a journalists’ village will be a hallmark of this administration. Simultaneously, we will uphold the integrity of our union by addressing the challenge of quackery, preserving the honor of our profession.”
“A Call for Unity: As I take on this responsibility, I call on every member of the NUJ FCT Council to join hands with us. This administration is not about me; it belongs to all of us.
“Let us unite as one body with one vision. As the African proverb aptly states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
“Today, I pledge my total commitment to you and to the ideals of this union. Together, we will build a legacy of professionalism, progress, and pride—a union that will stand as a beacon for generations to come.”
The election was supervised by the Vice-President of NUJ Zone D, Comrade Aseiza Momoh Jimoh; National Secretary NUJ Zone D, Comrade Dauda Mohammed; Assistant National Secretary 1, Mr. Akorede Opeyemi and Assistant National Secretary 2, Mr. Tita Onyebuchi Nze.
Hundreds of Editors and journalists from the print, electronics and online platforms affiliated with the NUJ, came out in their numbers to cast their ballots and witness the inauguration, climaxed by a victory party at the Secretariat of the Union.
Meanwhile, the immediate-past chairman of the council, Mr. Patrick Osadebemen and his executive members failed to host the business session where report of their stewardship in the about one year and half that he was chairman would have been received and debated by the members.
There was no word from the erstwhile chairman, nor his executive for the action, the first in the council, but the national officers intervened, providing the parameters for a formal dissolution of the executive, paving way for the election and swearing in of the new executives.
