By ENITAN ORHERUATA
A new leadership has emerged at the Federal Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, as Comrade Tamaraukeboloye Febau was overwhelmingly elected Chairman at a peaceful and rancour-free congress that also marked the end of the successful two-term administration of Comrade Abel Johngold.
The Special Congress, held on Thursday at the Chapel Secretariat, Federal Information Centre, Federal Secretariat, Asaba, witnessed the presentation of the outgoing Executive Committee’s stewardship report, dissolution of the executive, election and inauguration of a new leadership in a process widely commended for its transparency, unity and adherence to democratic principles.
Chairman of the Delta State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, who presided over the congress, praised the outgoing Johngold-led administration for providing purposeful and peaceful leadership, saying the executive left the chapel stronger, more united and better organised than it met it.
He described the successful transition as another testament to the maturity of the Federal Information Chapel and urged the newly elected leadership to sustain the tempo of progress while promoting professionalism, unity and members’ welfare.
Presenting his stewardship account, the immediate past Chairman, Comrade Abel Johngold, reflected on his administration’s journey, recalling that he was unanimously re-elected to lead the chapel for the 2023–2026 union term with a commitment to revitalise the chapel, strengthen members’ unity and improve its operational efficiency.
According to him, the administration prioritised transparency, accountability and financial prudence through regular formal and informal engagements, improved member participation, capacity-building programmes and welfare initiatives.
Johngold listed among the notable achievements of his administration the installation of a permanent signpost at the entrance of the Federal Secretariat, Asaba, providing the chapel with a visible identity within the complex.
He, however, acknowledged challenges, including poor records inherited from previous administrations, low meeting attendance and inadequate financial commitment by some members, expressing gratitude to members of the executive and the entire chapel for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee and Delta State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Comrade Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, disclosed that all aspirants were screened in line with constitutional requirements, with their credentials and financial status duly verified before the election.
She explained that only the office of Chairman was contested, while Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma emerged Secretary unopposed, adding that other executive positions would be filled through a bye-election.
Following the ballot, Comrade Tamara Febau secured an emphatic victory over Comrade Kelly Gilor to emerge Chairman, while Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma was formally returned as Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Febau described his election as “a call to service, not a title,” and pledged to lead with humility, inclusiveness and dedication.
He extended a hand of fellowship to his opponent, Comrade Kelly Gilor, and appealed to all members to close ranks and work together in advancing the growth and unity of the chapel.
Congratulating the new executive, Oyowe urged the Chairman to be magnanimous in victory while encouraging those who did not win to remain committed to the union’s progress.
He further challenged the chapel to organise regular training programmes, professional development initiatives and collaborative activities capable of enhancing journalism practice and increasing the visibility of the chapel.
The Delta NUJ Chairman also encouraged members to take advantage of professional programmes offered by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) to improve their qualifications and career prospects.
Mrs. Ikolomi commended members for their peaceful conduct throughout the exercise, stressing that the election produced “no victor and no vanquished,” and urged the new leadership to carry every member along in the administration of the chapel.
In his vote of thanks, the newly elected Secretary, Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma, expressed appreciation to the Delta State NUJ leadership, led by Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Acting State Secretary Comrade Josephine Omordior, for ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.
He also acknowledged the presence of National Ex-Officio Member, Comrade Felix Igbekoyi, and prayed for divine wisdom for the new executive as it begins the task of leading the chapel.
The congress ended with the inauguration of the new executive and a group photograph, symbolising a seamless transfer of leadership and a renewed commitment to strengthening the Federal Information Chapel.