NUJ Nasarawa Election 2026: Sunday John, Samson Jonah, Juliana Ofoku Promise Continuity Ahead of July 20 Poll
By Roseline Okafor, Lafia
The three leading contenders for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, have pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing executive if elected during the union’s election scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026.
The commitment was made during the NAS-NUJ 2026 Manifesto Session held at the NUJ Press Centre in Lafia. The event, organized by the Credentials Committee under the leadership of Dr. Kalu Idika, provided members with the opportunity to evaluate the visions and leadership plans of the chairmanship aspirants ahead of the polls.
The candidates who presented their manifestos were Sunday John of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Samson Jonah of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) Chapel, Lafia, and Mrs. Juliana Ose Ofoku of the Information Chapel.
Addressing members, each aspirant emphasized the need to sustain the developmental strides of the current administration while introducing new initiatives aimed at improving the welfare, professionalism, and capacity of journalists across Nasarawa State.
Sunday John assured delegates that his administration would prioritize journalists’ welfare, regular training, and professional development. He said his leadership would be driven by the principle of “continuity with innovation,” ensuring that existing projects are strengthened while introducing fresh ideas to advance the union.
Samson Jonah stressed the importance of fostering unity among the various NUJ chapels in the state. He also highlighted the need to embrace digital transformation by equipping journalists with modern technological skills to remain competitive in the evolving media industry.
He pledged to consolidate on ongoing programmes initiated by the outgoing executive while introducing innovative digital training and capacity-building initiatives that would benefit members across the state.
Mrs. Juliana Ose Ofoku, on her part, promised to run an inclusive administration that would promote equal opportunities for all journalists, with particular attention to women in journalism and correspondents working in rural communities.
According to her, the achievements recorded by the current leadership have created a solid foundation upon which the next administration can deliver greater progress, improved welfare, and measurable growth for the union.
Speaking during the programme, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Dr. Kalu Idika, explained that the manifesto session was organized to enhance transparency and accountability by allowing members to scrutinize the plans and competence of each aspirant before casting their votes.
Dr. Idika urged delegates to participate actively in the electoral process and elect leaders capable of advancing the objectives of the union while protecting the interests of journalists across Nasarawa State.
The NUJ Nasarawa State Council election is expected to attract delegates from eight chapels across the state, who will elect a new executive council to pilot the affairs of the union for the next three-year tenure.
