Distinguished colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your newly elected Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council. This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have reposed in me.
As we embark on this journey together, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Alhassan Yahya Abdulahi, his Deputy, and the entire Central Working Committee on their well-deserved victory at the just-concluded 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference. Your emergence signifies a fresh chapter for our union at the national level, and I pledge the support of the FCT Council as we work collaboratively to strengthen and uphold the ideals of our noble profession.
To the women of this council—those whose unwavering determination and strength stood by me throughout this journey—I offer my deepest appreciation. Your courage, resilience, and solidarity were instrumental to this victory, and I am forever grateful. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower one another, ensuring that no dream is too big to achieve.
Let me use this medium to say thank you to committee of friends and members of the one voice new era movement to contributed immensely to see this project is a success . The financial inflow was great and outstanding. I am speechless. God bless you all and replenish your pockets .
As I assume this noble office, I am guided by the timeless words of John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” With this wisdom, we will navigate a path toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.
A Vision for Progress
- Welfare:
The welfare of our members remains a cornerstone of this administration. From affordable health insurance schemes to empowerment initiatives, every member will feel the positive impact of our leadership. - Training and Capacity Building:
Continuous learning is vital for professional growth. To this end, we will facilitate opportunities for both local and international training programs. As a flagship initiative, we will sponsor 20 members for the 2024/2025 Postgraduate Program at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) with a 50% subsidy—just the beginning of our capacity-building plans. - Infrastructure and Sporting Activities:
Transforming our press center into a world-class facility will be a priority. Additionally, we will promote wellness and camaraderie through regular sporting activities, fostering a healthy body and a sound mind. - Committees for Success:
We will establish dedicated committees with clear mandates and measurable deliverables to drive our collective aspirations. - Media Enhancement Bill:
In collaboration with the NUJ National Secretariat, we will actively advocate for the passage of the Media Enhancement Bill to safeguard and elevate journalism as a profession. - Inclusivity and Transparency:
Inclusivity and transparency will form the bedrock of this administration. Every voice will be heard, and our financial records will remain open, ensuring accountability and trust. - Empowerment and Recognition:
We will introduce a Creative Writing Workshop Endowment in early 2025 to nurture creativity and innovation among our members, further empowering them to excel. - Annual General Meetings and Financial Prudence:
We will institutionalize Annual General Meetings (AGMs) as a platform for reflection, evaluation, and redirection, ensuring fiscal discipline and operational efficiency. - Journalists’ Village and Professional Integrity:
Realizing the dream of a journalists’ village will be a hallmark of this administration. Simultaneously, we will uphold the integrity of our union by addressing the challenge of quackery, preserving the honor of our profession.
A Call for Unity
As I take on this responsibility, I call on every member of the NUJ FCT Council to join hands with us. This administration is not about me; it belongs to all of us. Let us unite as one body with one vision. As the African proverb aptly states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Today, I pledge my total commitment to you and to the ideals of this union. Together, we will build a legacy of professionalism, progress, and pride—a union that will stand as a beacon for generations to come.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with unity, determination, and faith, it will be rewarding.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve. Let us forge ahead together into this new era of transformation.
God bless you all. God bless the NUJ FCT Council.
The One Voice, New Era begins now.
Thank you.