The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has charged the newly inaugurated executive of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Chapel to prioritise unity, members’ welfare, professionalism and accountability throughout its tenure.
The Chairman gave the charge on Friday in Abuja at the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the FCTA Chapel, where she urged the new leadership to regard every member as an important stakeholder in the affairs of the Chapel.
At the end of the election, the outgoing Chairman, Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, was returned, while Amechi Paul Obiora emerged as Vice Chairman. Mbanugo Innocent was elected as Treasurer, Elaigwu Abigail Ngohile was elected as Assistant Secretary, and Madugu Hauwa Mahmud emerged as Auditor.
Meanwhile a bye-election will be conducted for the positions of Secretary and Financial Secretary, in accordance with the Constitution of the Union, in due course.
Ike, who was represented by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, congratulated the new Chairman and members of the executive, describing their election as not only a demonstration of the confidence reposed in them by their colleagues but also a call to service, responsibility and leadership.
According to her, leadership in the NUJ is not about position or privilege but about serving members, protecting their professional interests, promoting their welfare and strengthening the unity of the union.
She urged the new executive to ensure that its administration was inclusive, transparent and responsive, stressing that no member should feel excluded because of personal differences, disagreements or past grievances.
The NUJ FCT Chairman also appealed to members of the FCTA Chapel to support and cooperate with the new leadership to enable it to succeed.
“We may disagree, but we must not become divided,” she said, urging members to resolve their differences through dialogue, consultation and the established structures of the Union.
She cautioned against allowing personal grievances to override the collective interest of the Chapel, noting that disagreements were inevitable in any organisation comprising people with different opinions and perspectives.
The Chairman said the FCTA Chapel had a proud history and occupied an important position within the NUJ FCT Council, adding that members had a collective responsibility to protect its reputation and strengthen its institutions.
The Chairman noted that journalists operate under enormous professional pressures and deserve an environment where their rights, safety, dignity and professional interests are protected.
She urged members to hold their leaders accountable through constructive criticism rather than actions capable of weakening the Chapel.
“Where there are disagreements, let us sit together and resolve them. Where there are grievances, let us address them through the appropriate channels.
“Where there are differences, let us remember that we have far more in common as journalists and members of the same Union than the issues that divide us,” she said.
She therefore assured the FCTA Chapel of the continued support of the NUJ FCT Council in providing the necessary guidance to the new leadership, stressing that the Council’s doors remained open to the executive and members.
She called on members to put the election behind them and concentrate on building a stronger Chapel.
“The election is over; the real task of building a stronger, more united and progressive FCTA Chapel has commenced,” Ike said.
In her acceptance speech the newly elected Chairman,Comrade Ngozi Uloma Ufomba promised to provide more professional training, ensure timely payment of welfare benefits, pursue the acquisition of a union bus and strengthen sensitisation on issues affecting the FCT and the journalism profession.
Ufomba called on her fellow contestants and all members to put the election behind them and work together for the progress of the chapel.
“My door will be open to all. This administration will be inclusive, transparent and accountable,” she said, pledging to serve with humility, integrity and hard work. She said.
She urged members to remain united, stressing that the progress of the chapel depended on collective commitment and cooperation.