The newly elected members of the Gombe State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Correspondents’ Chapel were inaugurated in Gombe on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Hudu Shehu of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) was sworn in as Chairman for a three-year tenure.
Other members inaugurated include Peter Uwumarogie of NAN as Secretary, Najib Sani of Leadership Newspaper as Vice Chairman, and Sadiq Njoboli of the Voice of Nigeria as Treasurer.
All executives were returned unopposed.
While inaugurating the new executives, Mr Shu’aibu Umar, Secretary of the Gombe State NUJ Chapter, urged them to maintain the bond of unity among members.
Umar expressed satisfaction with the electoral process, commending the understanding demonstrated by members throughout the exercise.
He advised them to justify their election by upholding journalistic integrity and professional ethics in their work.
Umar described the Correspondents’ Chapel as the face of journalism in the state, urging members to sustain their vibrancy for the NUJ’s overall image.
He also sought the chapel’s support in strengthening the NUJ in Gombe, acknowledging its significant influence across the state.
Meanwhile, Mr Haruna Gimba, Chairman of the Electoral and Credentials Committee, stated that the election strictly adhered to the NUJ constitution.
Gimba said competence and experience were key criteria in selecting the new officials.
He noted that the election set a good precedent, as it was conducted without bias, with officials chosen on merit and recommendations.
Gimba advised the new executives to ensure strict compliance with the NUJ constitution in all their activities.
In his acceptance speech, Shehu pledged to uphold professionalism and build on the achievements of his predecessor, Ms Hajara Leman of NAN.
He promised to enhance the chapel’s image and strengthen journalism in Gombe State by adhering to ethical standards.
“We will continue from where the previous executives stopped in upholding the image of journalists as they engage with government, organisations, and the public,” he said.
Shehu added that the new executives would explore ways to expand the chapel’s revenue base to improve state-wide coverage, including grassroots reporting.
He thanked past executives, NUJ officials, and the Electoral Committee for conducting a smooth and credible election.
