By Samuel Ogude
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ughelli Correspondents’ Chapel Executive members have been inaugurated. The inauguration which took place on Thursday has Comrade Matthias Ogbagah, Chairman; Comrade Moses Omovevah, Vice Chairman; and Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, Assistant Secretary. Other members of the executive are Comrade Monica Ogbaudu and Comrade Mamuzo Efidhere who would be sworn in at the next Congress. This newly sworn executive of the Union would pilot the affairs of the body for the .next three years.
In his acceptance speech after the new executive members have been administered the oath of office by the Acting Secretary of the NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Josephine Omoridion, the newly inaugurated chairman of the NUJ Ughelli Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Matthias Ogbagah, promised to abide by the union’s constitution and carry everybody along in the discharge of duties. While calling on all members to support the executive to succeed, Comrade Ogbagah emphasized that the chapel will develop from where they left off.
The newly sworn in Chairman said his administration would not tolerate a situation the good image of the Union drag to the mud neither a situation the behavior that would lead the Union to a dark age. His words:”Refrain from any unruly behaviour capable of damaging the image of the union. Be objective in your reportage,”
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, charged the newly inaugurated executive to always adhere to the ethics of the profession. The Chairman of NUJ State Council appealed for unity among all members just as he charged them to operate a union of inclusiveness in their operations.
Earlier, the immediate past chairman of NUJ Ughelli Correspondents Chapel, Olorogun Sunday Apah, said serving as chairman had not only been an honour but a profound privilege. He expressed appreciation to all members for the trust and confidence reposed on him when he was elected to serve the Union in this capacity. His words: “Your support, co-operation, and dedication have been the pillars upon which we have built our achievements during this period.
Together, we have faced challenges—some anticipated, others unforeseen—but through collective effort, resilience, and a shared commitment to professionalism, we have navigated them successfully. “We have advocated for the rights and welfare of journalists in our domain, defended press freedom, and worked tirelessly to uplift the standards of journalism in Ughelli.
“I am proud of the initiatives we launched, including renting a new secretariat, furnishing it, installing a signpost, placing portraits of past chairmen, and more. These milestones were possible because of your active participation and unwavering collaboration. “I want to particularly thank our executive team and committee members for their hard work and dedication. Your teamwork and willingness to serve made my role lighter and the successes sweeter.
“As I hand over the baton to the incoming Chairman, I urge all members to continue supporting our Chapel with the same enthusiasm and commitment. Let us remain united, principled, and courageous in the pursuit of truthful, ethical journalism. “Let me reassure you that I remain your loyal member and a willing contributor to the growth and progress of NUJ Ughelli Correspondents Chapel,” he added.
Present at both the election and inauguration were top members of NUJ Ughelli Chapel and members from both Warri and Asaba among who were Comrade Pere Botu and Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire.