By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, on Wednesday unanimously passed a vote of confidence in its Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, while Deacon Dan Opara emerged Chairman of the Association of Imo Based Journalists (AIBJ) during the Union’s Congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, New Owerri.
The twin developments underscored what members described as a renewed commitment to accountability, transparency, unity and professionalism within the journalism profession in Imo State, with participants expressing confidence in the direction of the Union and its affiliate bodies.
The motion expressing confidence in the Nwanguma-led executive was moved by Comrade Destiny Akunesi, who commended the administration for its inclusive leadership, financial prudence and unwavering commitment to members’ welfare. He noted that the endorsement followed a directive from the NUJ National Secretariat requiring all state councils to submit accountability reports covering their activities and financial records from 2022 to date.
According to Akunesi, the Imo State Council successfully submitted its financial statements, which were reviewed and approved by the NUJ South-East Zonal Office, affirming the Council’s compliance with the Union’s accountability standards. He said the development demonstrated the transparency of the Nwanguma-led administration and justified the overwhelming confidence reposed in it by members.
Seconding the motion, Comrade Chris Ogbonna urged journalists in the state to sustain their support for the Council’s leadership to enable it to consolidate ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening ethical journalism, protecting the integrity of the profession and improving members’ welfare.
Former NUJ Imo State Chairman, Chief Fidel Onyeneke, also commended the current leadership for its efforts in repositioning the Union and encouraged the executive to remain responsive to the aspirations of members while sustaining initiatives that promote professionalism, unity and the credibility of the media.
In another major highlight of the Congress, members of the Association of Imo Based Journalists (AIBJ) conducted their election, producing Deacon Dan Opara as Chairman and Iheakanwa as Vice Chairman, alongside other newly elected executive members to pilot the affairs of the association.
Congratulating the new AIBJ leadership, NUJ Chairman Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma charged the executives to lead with integrity, fairness and dedication, urging them to work in harmony with the NUJ to advance responsible journalism, defend press freedom and promote the welfare and professional development of journalists in Imo State.
The Congress attracted an impressive gathering of media veterans, labour leaders and government officials. Among those in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ekomaru, who represented Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON; the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo State Council, Comrade Uche Chigamezu; the NUJ South-East Zonal Vice President (Zone C), Chief Eze Adiuku; former NUJ Imo State Chairmen Chief Val Okechukwu, Chief Fidel Onyeneke, Chief Innocent Igwe, Chief Chris Akaraonye and Mr. Francis Ebonugwo, alongside other senior media practitioners and stakeholders.
The Congress ended with a renewed pledge by journalists to uphold the ideals of accountability, unity, ethical journalism and professional excellence, reinforcing confidence in the leadership of the NUJ in Imo State while ushering in a new executive for the Association of Imo Based Journalists.
9News Nigeria reports that the outcomes of the Congress are expected to further strengthen collaboration within the journalism community and deepen efforts to promote a vibrant, responsible and development-oriented press in Imo State.
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