The Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of the chapel, following the successful conclusion of its long-anticipated elections.
The election, held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, saw Murtala Adewale of The Guardian Newspapers emerge as the new Chairman after securing 17 votes to defeat Ahmad Sorondinki of ThisDay Newspapers, who garnered 12 votes.
Announcing the results, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Mr. Fanen Ihyongo, praised members for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democratic ideals throughout the process.
Other closely contested positions included: Assistant Secretary: Salihu Ali of Voice of Nigeria (VON) won with 16 votes, defeating Khadija Aliyu of FRCN, who polled 13 votes.
Auditor: Mrs. Longtong Yakubu of Leadership Newspapers secured 17 votes to beat her colleague from the same organization, who received 12 votes.
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Four candidates, who returned unopposed included Vice Chairman: Yusuf Bala (VON), Secretary: Salim Umar Ibrahim (Daily Trust), Treasurer: Bashir Bello (Vanguard Newspapers) and Financial Secretary: Ramatu Garba (News Agency of Nigeria – NAN)
Representing the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Suleiman Dederi, the Acting Chairman Mustapha Gambo presented certificates of return to the newly elected officers and lauded the chapel for its smooth and transparent electoral process.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Murtala Adewale described his emergence as the beginning of a new era for the chapel. He pledged to foster unity, prioritise members’ welfare, and invest in capacity building for journalists.
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“This is a mandate for change, inclusion, and collective progress. I promise to carry everyone along and elevate the profile and professionalism of our chapel,” Adewale stated.
In his remarks, Mustapha Gambo urged the new leadership to uphold the values of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in running the affairs of the chapel.
Meanwhile, outgoing Secretary Mustapha Hodi congratulated the new executive and expressed optimism about their ability to build on past achievements and move the chapel forward.
“As I bow out as Secretary of the Correspondents’ Chapel, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new executive members. I am confident that this new team will build on the gains made and usher in greater strides for our chapel,” Hodi stated.