By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has charged the newly inaugurated executive members of the Society of Practicing Television Cameramen (SOPTCAM), FCT Chapter, to champion professionalism, embrace digital innovation, and uphold the highest ethical standards in broadcast journalism.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Saturday in Abuja, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described the emergence of the new leadership as a significant milestone for television cameramen in the Federal Capital Territory. She noted that the rapidly evolving media landscape demands not only technical expertise but also ethical conduct, creative storytelling, and proficiency in digital technologies.
Comrade Ike reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to partnering with SOPTCAM in strengthening the capacity of media professionals through continuous training, certification programmes, digital skills development, and advocacy initiatives that promote members’ welfare and career advancement.
She encouraged the new leadership to prioritise professional development in emerging technologies, digital content production and distribution, multimedia storytelling, workplace safety, and visual ethics, stressing that such investments would keep members competitive in the modern broadcasting industry.
According to her, embracing digital workflows and online platforms would unlock new opportunities for innovation, audience engagement, and sustainable revenue generation for practitioners.
The NUJ FCT Chairman also expressed confidence in the new executive, wishing them a successful tenure characterised by unity, visionary leadership, and meaningful progress for members and the broadcasting profession.
Earlier, the newly inaugurated Chairman of SOPTCAM FCT, Mr. Ekundayo Oluwafemi Caleb, described the occasion as a historic achievement, noting that it marked the inauguration of the association’s first democratically elected executive committee in the FCT.
He expressed appreciation to the national leadership of SOPTCAM for providing guidance throughout the electoral process and commended the Electoral Committee for conducting what he described as a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.
Accepting the responsibility entrusted to the new executive, Femi said the mandate represented a collective commitment to advancing the welfare, dignity, and professional growth of practicing television cameramen in the territory.
He unveiled a six-point agenda centred on professional development, training, members’ welfare and healthcare, discipline, ethical practice, transparency, unity, and strengthening the visibility of the association.
“Our cameras have documented Nigeria’s story for decades. It is now time to turn the lens inward and tell our own story while building a stronger and more respected professional body,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, the National Chairman of SOPTCAM, Comrade Olugbenga Adejuwon, urged members to approach their profession with a business mindset by building credible personal brands, maintaining integrity, honouring contractual obligations, and continuously improving their creative and technical skills.
He encouraged television cameramen to establish strong digital platforms, remain committed to excellence, and produce compelling visual stories that accurately reflect Nigeria’s realities and aspirations.
The inauguration of the SOPTCAM FCT executive signals a new era for the association, with renewed commitment to professionalism, improved welfare, capacity building, and positioning television cameramen to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive media industry.