Okonkwo Emerges Chairman of NUJ ABS Awka Chapel After Historic Election

By Emmanuel Chigbata 

Comrade Emmanuel Okonkwo has been elected Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Awka Chapel, following a historic election that ushered in a new executive after thirteen years.

The election, conducted through a secret ballot at the ABS Film Academy, Awka, saw Comrade Okonkwo secure seventeen votes to defeat the former Caretaker Chairman, Comrade Joseph Egbocha, who polled five votes. The exercise, which commenced at exactly 10:00 a.m., was observed by officials of the NUJ Anambra State Council, who monitored the process to ensure credibility, transparency and fairness.

Congratulating the newly elected executives, the Acting Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Barrister Juliet Mbonu Ike, urged them to provide purposeful leadership, foster unity among members and continue to protect the welfare and professional interests of journalists in the establishment.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, described the successful conduct of the election as a milestone for the ABS Chapel after many years.

He encouraged members to actively participate in union activities, attend congresses regularly and give maximum support to the new leadership. The Acting Director of News and Current Affairs, Mrs. Chinyere Obiejiesi, and the Director of Engineering, Engr. Paul Okoye, also commended members for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.

Announcing the results, the Returning Officer and Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Mr. David Okpokwasili, declared Comrade Ifeanyi Uche as Vice Chairman, Emmanuel Chigbata as Secretary, Mary Vina as Assistant Secretary, Ijeoma Nwanya as Treasurer, Blessing Dennis as Financial Secretary and Lilian Egboruche as Auditor.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Emmanuel Okonkwo expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify their trust.

He unveiled a six point agenda aimed at restoring peace and unity within the chapel, improving members’ welfare, promoting capacity building, revitalizing monthly congresses, securing a branded chapel bus and repositioning the ABS Chapel for greater relevance within the NUJ Anambra State Council.