The Society of Practicing Television Cameramen (SOPTCAM), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has inaugurated its first democratically elected Executive Committee, marking a significant milestone in the association’s history and setting the stage for a new era of professionalism, unity and institutional development.
The newly inaugurated leadership described the transition as a defining moment for television cameramen in the FCT, pledging to promote members’ welfare, strengthen professional standards and reposition the association as a leading voice within Nigeria’s media industry.
The Executive Committee expressed appreciation to the National Executive Council of SOPTCAM, led by the National President, for providing the leadership, guidance and support that ensured a successful electoral process and smooth transition.
Special commendation was also extended to the Chairman and Secretary of the Electoral Committee for conducting what the association described as a transparent, credible and peaceful election, reinforcing members’ confidence in the association’s democratic values.
The leadership further thanked members of SOPTCAM FCT for their overwhelming support and trust, promising to justify the confidence reposed in them through purposeful and inclusive leadership.
According to the new executives, their mandate goes beyond occupying positions of authority and represents a collective responsibility to improve the welfare, dignity and professional standing of practicing television cameramen in the nation’s capital.
To achieve this vision, the Executive Committee unveiled a comprehensive six-point agenda that will guide its administration.
The first priority focuses on professional growth through regular capacity-building programmes, workshops, masterclasses and certification training in collaboration with media organisations, equipment manufacturers and training institutions. The initiative aims to ensure members remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven media landscape.
The second pillar centres on members’ welfare by pursuing healthcare support, emergency assistance and group insurance schemes designed to reduce financial and medical vulnerabilities faced by practitioners.
Creating employment opportunities while promoting ethical standards, fair remuneration and professional conduct forms the third agenda item. The leadership said it would continue advocating improved working conditions and greater respect for television cameramen across newsrooms, production sets and field assignments.
To address challenges associated with access to modern production equipment, the fourth agenda seeks to establish strategic partnerships with equipment vendors, media organisations and development partners. These collaborations are expected to improve access to modern gear through leasing arrangements, co-ownership initiatives and technology training programmes while encouraging collaboration among members.
The Executive Committee also placed strong emphasis on discipline and accountability. It announced plans to establish a Disciplinary Committee to enforce a code of professional conduct, investigate cases of misconduct and uphold the integrity of the association through transparent and constitutionally guided sanctions where necessary.
The final pillar of the agenda focuses on strengthening unity, transparency and visibility by promoting collaboration among members across media organisations and freelance practice while expanding the association’s public engagement through advocacy and strategic partnerships.
Capturing the vision of the new administration, the executives declared: “Our lens has captured Nigeria’s story for years. Now it’s time we focused the lens on ourselves.”
They stressed that achieving the ambitious agenda would require the active participation of every member and appealed to the association’s founding fathers, former leaders and stakeholders to reunite with the chapter and contribute their experience and mentorship toward building a stronger organisation.
The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to serving with integrity, transparency, discipline and accountability, expressing confidence that SOPTCAM FCT would become a model of professionalism for media practitioners across Nigeria.
The newly inaugurated Executive Committee is led by Mr. Ekundayo Femi as Chairman. Other members include Comrade Akinbola Habeeb (Vice Chairman), Comrade Solomon Larayetan (Secretary), Mr. Rasak Adejinri (Financial Secretary), Mr. Moses Peter (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Taofeek Ogunbiyi (Treasurer), Mrs. Peter Victoria (Welfare Officer I), Mr. Abdulsalam Stephen (Chief Whip), and Mr. Olanrewaju Akomolafe (Public Relations Officer).
The executives concluded by reaffirming their dedication to advancing the interests of television cameramen in the Federal Capital Territory under the association’s enduring slogan: “SOPTCAM! Never Say Never!”