An aspirant for the Chairmanship position of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Nasarawa State Council, Comrade Sunday John, has promised to uphold the integrity of the Union assured members of the union if elected into office.
John who works with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) and is the current Secretary of the Council gave this assurance on Friday in Lafia during a campaign visit to the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) chapel in Lafia.
Campaigning under the banner of “Continuity and Fresh Perspective,” John promised to leverage on his extensive institutional experience to deliver the needed service.
He describes himself as a seasoned unionist and a dependable pillar of support who has positioned himself as the natural successor to the outgoing administration and is ready to take the mantle of leadership having served two successful terms as the council’s State Secretary over the last six years.
John pledged to build upon the foundation laid by the outgoing Chairman, Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali, while injecting innovative ideas to enhance the welfare, security, and professional standing of practicing journalists in the state.
He said his agenda rests on absolute continuity, promising to complete all ongoing policies, programmes, and projects initiated by the Alkali administration.
” I will install high-capacity solar power systems to guarantee a 24/7 electricity supply, ensuring members can seamlessly charge their working tools and meet demanding editorial deadlines.
” I also intend to transform the Press Centre into a vibrant social and economic hub such as setting up a dedicated, state-of-the-art football viewing centre at the secretariat to drive member engagement and attract sports enthusiasts. Installing solar-powered street lights within and around the facility to create a safe evening environment for working journalists and visitors.
” I will also deploy a closed-circuit television network to safeguard union property, deter theft or external harassment, and assist security agencies with reliable evidence if needed,” he pledged.
The aspirant said if elected, in the upcoming July 20, 2026, election, his administration intends to lobby government and private stakeholders to construct a commercial shopping complex at the secretariat site, effectively broadening the union’s internal revenue base among other lofty projects.
He expressed gratitude to the chapel for their warm reception and appealed for their support.
Responding, the Chairman of the NBS NUJ Chapel, Valentine Joshua, commended the incumbent state Chairman of NUJ, Salihu Muhammad Alkali, for his transparency, accountability, and dedication to journalists’ welfare across the 13 Local Government Areas.
Joshua noted that the successes of the past six years were a collective effort achieved with the support of executives like Sunday John.
Joshua advocated for a peaceful transition
ahead of the July 20 election and urged all contestants to prioritise the union’s cohesion.
He advised chairmanship aspirants to unite and avoid a fierce, divisive contest while emphasising that the forthcoming election should serve to strengthen the bonds among NUJ members rather than cause unnecessary rifts and disagreements.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Sunday John Campaign Team, Isaac Ukpoju, urged NBS chapel members to consider John’s extensive track record since becoming the state union’s Secretary in 2020.
Ukpoju, a former Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, expressed absolute confidence that John is the right person to sustain and expand upon the legacy projects executed by the incumbent administration.
”I strongly believe in Sunday John’s ability to sustain the legacy projects of the Salihu Alkali-led administration, and also initiate new projects that will benefit the entire members of the union,” Ukpoju stated. “I am confident that his experience in close to six years as secretary of the NUJ will serve as a guide to him in piloting the affairs of the union.”
Ukpoju appealed to all journalists across Nasarawa State to rally behind John to ensure his victory at the July polls.
