Chris Awhawha
The Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State, led by Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha has commenced thank you visit to all the chapels in the state, beginning with the Information, Creek FM and Assembly Chapels.
Speaking during the visit that took place on Monday, December 9, 2024, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha expressed appreciation to God Almighty as well as all
the Journalists in the state for the victory of members of the Exco at the just-concluded NUJ elections.
According to him, “it is only proper for us as the Exco to come back and say thank you. This is regardless of any other engagement that came up after scheduling the visits to the chapels”, adding that for now, the visit is more important.
He said there are no more issues of Slates but an Exco that will work to ensure that the NUJ in the state is taken to an enviable height in the scheme of things.
He however admonished journalists in the state to always participate in the activities of the Union, pointing out that it is only when they participate in the activities of the union that they can benefit from the State Council.
The chairman also added that meeting attendance is very important just as familiarizing themselves with the NUJ Constitution, is a top most priority as a journalist in the state, amongst others.
He said there are many lessons learnt from the just-concluded November 16th, 2024 NUJ election that brought about the emergence of the present leadership.
He however used the medium to call on practising Journalists in the state not to sit on the fence but ensure they attach themselves to chapels so as to be part of the membership audit, when the Audit Committee comes calling.
He said lthe audit exercise is not a witch hunt but a way of getting authentic data for proper categorization of practising Journalists in the state.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Information Chapel, Comrade Wanama Dandyson, that of Creek FM Chapel, Comrade Agbereowei Arumor and the Acting Chairman Assembly Chapel, Comrade Biowei Arepate, all commended the Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha-led EXCO to for deeming it necessary to embark on the “thank you” visit to the various chapels.
According to them, the present Exco should not renege on its campaign promises, but try and carry all journalists in the state along.