Ochoga Emerges Edo Correspondents’ Chairman , Promises Inclusive Leadership
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Comrade Patrick Ochoga of the Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday emerged Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel , Edo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ)
Ochoga was returned unopposed , due to the disqualification of Comrade Micheal Egbejule of the Guardians Newspaper by the National leadership of NUJ on the ground of constitutional breaches.
Other officers who emerged at the election are Abdulahi Usman Bello of the Daily Trust Newspapers, Vice Chairman; Patrick Ahanor of the Blue Print Newspapers, General Secretary; Idris Umar Momoh, of the Business Day Newspapers, Treasurer; and Barnabas Uzosike of the Vanguard Newspapers , Auditor.
In his remark Ochoga, who holds a BSC in Geography from the University of Jos and a post Graduate Diploma in journalism from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State promised to uphold the ethics of journalism and to ensure that every member of the Correspondents ‘ Chapel is giving a sense of belonging
He said, ” I stand before you today filled with immense gratitude and humility. Emerging as your chairman is not just a personal achievement, but a collective victory, and I am deeply honored.
“As your chairman, I promise to fight for all of us for a better and progressive chapel. I’ll stand up for our values and work across the aisle to get things done.
“We face big challenges, but I’ve never been more optimistic that together we can surmount any obstacle about the future of our chapel. Our diversity is our strength. Our shared hopes and dreams unite us”.
Earlier, in her valedictory speech, the outgoing Chairman, Mrs Nefishetu Yakubu thanked every member of the Chapel for their support and urged that the support be extended to the incoming executive.
“Today marks the end of an incredible journey as I officially hand over the mantle of leadership to a new team of executives. It is a bittersweet moment, as I reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and shared experiences we have had over the past six years.
“First and foremost, I want to thank every one of you for your solidarity, support, and encouragement throughout my tenure. Your faith in me, even during the most challenging times, has been my greatest source of strength. Together, we have built a stronger Chapel and made significant strides. ” She concluded.