A 43-year-old tradition that had seen only male candidates win the chairmanship position of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Chapter, was on Wednesday dismantled with the election of Grace Ike into the plum position.
Ms. Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) broke the jinx in a signif7cant fashion: she was elected unopposed.
She was immediately sworn in on Wednesday alongside four other executive members: Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (VON), as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary of the Council and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as Treasurer.
The election was conducted by officials from the National Secretariat of the NUJ under tight security with a massive turn out of journalists from various media organizations and Chapels operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The newly elected officials will pilot the affairs of the union for the next three years in the FCT, while the vacant positions will be filled through a by-election.
The oath of office was administered by Barr. Ehidiamen Isibor, under the watch of the Credentials Committee led by Mr. Henry Umoru and members of the committee
In her inauguration speech, Grace said her election markef a ‘new dawn’ for the journalists in the nation’s capital.
She said her aim was to reposition NUJ FCT Council through innovative projects that would impact directly on the welfare of members.
“With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council.
“This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
“As we begin this journey together, let me start by congratulating the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, his Deputy, and other members of the National Executive Council on their well-deserved victory.
“Your emergence symbolizes a new chapter and I pledge the unwavering support of the FCT Council as we work collaboratively to strengthen the ideals of our profession.
“To the women of this council—those who stood by me with unwavering determination and strength throughout this journey—I offer my heartfelt appreciation.
“Your courage, resilience, and support were pivotal to this victory, and I am forever grateful. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower one another.
“As I assume this noble office, I am reminded of the words of John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
“With these words as our guide, we shall chart a course toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union,” Ike said.
Adeiza Momohjimoh, Vice President Zone D, who presented the certificates of return to the chairman, congratulated her on being g elected unopposed.
Grace was the immediate past Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps and Vice Chairman FCT Correspondents Chapel.
She has worked in various capacities and at various times at the Independent Television ( ITV ) and Silverbird Television.
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