The Abia State Correspondent of Vanguard Newspapers, Deacon Steve Oko, has emerged the Chairman of Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State.
He was elected unopposed during a triennial conference of the chapel held Friday at the chapel office located at #1 Ojike/Bende Road opposite Umuahia North Local Government headquarters.
Others members of the new chapel executive were Comrade Henrietta Ashikodi of the Statesman Newspapers; and Comrade Imo Thomas of the Standard Times who was elected the Treasurer.
Swearing in the new chapel executive, the NUJ Chairman, Abia State, Comrade Chidi Asonye, charged the members to help reposition journalism practice in the state.
Describing the Correspondents Chapel as the engine room of journalism practice, Comrade Asonye challenged members of the chapel to always be guided by the ethics of the profession.
Congratulating the members of the new chapel executive on their emergence, the NUJ Chairman urged them to strive to leave the chapel better than they met it.
Expressing confidence in the quality and ability of the new leadership, Comrade Asonye wished them well in office.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Deacon Oko, thanked members of the chapel for reposing confidence in him and other members of the executive, and promised not to let them down.
He noted with concern, the waning dignity and respect for the Correspondents Chapel, and said the new Exco would work assiduously to restore the dignity of the chapel.
Deacon Oko also promised to prioritize the welfare of members of the chapel and promote harmonious relationship with other chapels and the Council.
He appealed to Journalists in the state to take leverage their agenda-setting role/ability, and lead the sensitisation campaign for the on-going voter registration exercise.
Oko emphasized the need to rekindle the hope and confidence of voters following the general feeling of disenchantment by some Nigerians in the aftermath of the 2023 elections.
He solicited the support and prayers of the members of chapel for the success of the new leadership.
Deacon Oko commended the immediate-past Chairman of the chapel, Chief Obinna Ibe for his achievements, and promised to build on his legacies.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Comrade Uche Nwosu, said candidates for the election emerged through due process in line with the constitution of NUJ.
In his valedictory speech, Comrade Ibe said his tenure recorded some noticable achievements despite some challenges confronting the chapel.
He expressed satisfaction over the peaceful transition of power, and wished the new executive a successful tenure.
NUJ Vice Chairman, Comrade Chukwuma Emere; and Secretary, Comrade Ikechukwu Onuegbu, were among special guests that witnessed the peaceful election.
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