Members of the executive council of NUJ Delta State today 27th March 2023 inaugurated new executive officers of Federal Information Chapel on expiration of the Abel Johngold-led Excos in what seemed to be a seamless transition. On a unanimous consensus of the Chapel, Cmr. Abel Johngold was returned as the Chairman of the Chapel, while other members that made the Exco include; Cmr. Tamara Febau, Vice Chairman, Cmr. Wilbet Ijeoma, Secretary and Cmr. Kelly Gilor, Treasurer.
Receiving the executives of NUJ State Council led by the State Secretary Cmr. Patrick Ochei and the State Vice Chairman Cmr. Salvation Ogono at Federal Information, Federal Secretariat Asaba, the outgoing Chapel Chairman, Cmr. Abel Johngold expressed appreciation to members of the State Council present to preside over the inauguration and taking of oath of office by the newly elected and returned officers.
Ochei, in his opening remarks, outlined the procedure for election/inauguration of new Excos which set the pace for the business of the day.
On his handover note, the Chapel’s helmsman, Cmr Abel Johngold recalled when he assumed the position of Chairman on expiration of the tenure of the Chapel’s former Chairman, late Comrade Henry Iloba in 2019, and affirmed that he has had a fruitful administration; no less thanks to the Excos and members of the Chapel. Johngold underscored that keeping the revitalization of the Chapel meant all hands must be on deck to muster brainwaves on how to sustaining the Chapel itself, by making it attractive and to position Comrades to play active roles. Amongst his achievements listed were but not limited to opening of Chapel’s account, provisions of chairs, t-shirts, training and retraining of members, welfare packages and provision of stationery to offices where the Chapel is domiciled as part of social responsibilities.
Speaking further after the inauguration, the Chairman who was returned together with members of his Excos express optimism that the Chapel would consolidate on the achievements it recorded in previous administration. Pointing out the areas to work upon, the now 2-term Chapel Chairman assured that the Chapel is primed for growth in strength and effective journalism. “We’ll focus on membership drive and capacity building through training and retraining of journalists in our Chapel”; Johngold assured. However, he brought to the attention of the State Council that Federal Information Chapel plays critical role in national journalism/reportage which most times are exclusive and unnoticeable. He harped on members of the Chapel who are committed journalists and publishers of online news media, further underscoring the needs for recognition by the State Council.
The NUJ State Scribe Cmr. Patrick Ochei, who led the State Executive Council for the inauguration, commended the progress the Chapel has made so far while applauding the successes recorded. Ochei however noted that the minimum strength for a chapel is 10 and urged the leadership of the Chapel to grow it’s membership and square up with dues and other financial obligations.
Further emphasizing on the need of strength, the State Council Vice Chairman, Comr. Salvation Ogono commended the effort of the leadership of Federal Information Chapel. He however recalled that the Chapel use to be a beehive in times past and implored the newly inaugurated executives to work on membership growth.
The inauguration event wouldn’t have been a success without the propriety of the Felix Ijeomah-led electoral committee of the Federal Information Chapel. Applauding the effort of the committee, Ochei commended members of the committee comprising Cmr. Celestine Afokobah and the NAWOJ Scribe Cmr. Tracy Ikolomi for the job well done; for occasioning a seamless transition of leadership in Federal Information Chapel.
Responding to the commendation, Cmr. Felix Ijeoma expressed appreciation to the Chapel for the confidence and trust reposed on him to led the electoral committee of Chapel. He expressed optimism that greater days lie ahead of the Chapel, affirming that the Chapel has the potential for growth and development.
Present at the event include the NOA Deputy Director, HRM who also doubles as Welfare Secretary of Committee of Heads of Federal MDAs (COHEADs), Mrs. Patricia Umunna, members of State Information Chapel comprising Cmr. Kenneth Ovie and Cmr. Raph, amongst others.
