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.
Ike gave the charge on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of the newly elected FCTA Chapel executive, urged the leadership to regard every member as an important stakeholder in the affairs of the Chapel.
At the election, the incumbent Chairman, Comrade Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, was returned to office, while Amechi Paul Obiora emerged as Vice Chairman. Mbanugo Innocent was elected Treasurer, Elaigwu Abigail Ngohile became Assistant Secretary, and Madugu Hauwa Mahmud emerged as Auditor.
The positions of Secretary and Financial Secretary remain vacant, with a bye-election expected to be conducted in accordance with the Constitution of the Union.
Ike, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, congratulated the newly elected executive, describing their emergence as a demonstration of the confidence reposed in them by their colleagues and a call to service and responsibility.
She stressed that leadership in the NUJ was not about position or privilege but about serving members, protecting their professional interests, promoting their welfare and strengthening the unity of the Union.
The NUJ FCT Chairman urged the new administration to operate an inclusive, transparent and responsive government, warning against the exclusion of any member on the basis of personal differences, disagreements or past grievances.
“We may disagree, but we must not become divided,” Ike 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 made up of people with different opinions and perspectives.
According to her, journalists operate under enormous professional pressures and deserve an environment where their rights, safety, dignity and professional interests are protected.
She therefore called on 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.
Ike assured the FCTA Chapel of the continued support of the NUJ FCT Council, stressing that the Council remained available to provide guidance and support to the new leadership and members.
She urged members to put the election behind them and focus on building a stronger and more united Chapel.
“The election is over; the real task of building a stronger, more united and progressive FCTA Chapel has commenced,” she said.
In her acceptance speech, the newly re-elected Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, pledged to provide more professional training for members, 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 also appealed to her fellow contestants and all members to put the election behind them and unite 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 urged members to remain united, stressing that the progress and development of the FCTA Chapel depended on collective commitment, cooperation and a shared determination to move the Union forward.
