The New Executive Members
(Written by Silas Onuoha)
It was a moment of jubilation at NAGAFF headquarters, Apapa, Lagos,
yesterday, as Udeme Clement, with Financial Business News, emerged the first female Chairman, Powerful Pen Media Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State.
Immediately the NUJ Chairman and his Exco departed the venue, post election party started, as her supporters began singing, dancing and unwinding till late in the evening.
The election, which lasted several hours yesterday was conducted by Exco members of Lagos NUJ, under supervision of the able Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi. The exercise was well organised and highly transparent, as all members of the Chapel and Journalists from other media organisations observed the election from beginning to the end successfully.
In his brief remarks, the President, Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Comrade Ray Ugochukwu, which is the parent body of the Chapel,
applauded Mr Ajayi and his Exco members for a job well done.
Comrade Ugochukwu, expressed optimism that Lagos NUJ under Mr Ajayi as Chairman is moving forward on the right track.
In her acceptance speech, Udeme Clement, thanked Lagos NUJ Chairman and his team for their patience, tolerance and the transparent manner they handled the entire process.
Clement, known to be a hard working and very intelligent Journalist has worked in reputable media organisations before she joined Financial Business News.
While in Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), she did the compulsory three months internship programme with MiTV. After her National Diploma in Mass Communication from NIJ, she did the mandatory one year Industrial Attachment training with the News Magazine, publisher of PM News (And Tempo, then).
She has worked as a Senior Correspondent with Daily Times Newspaper – covering industry; she also worked on the Energy Desk of ThisDay Newspaper. She equally worked with Vanguard Newspaper – covering Maritime; and currently with Financial Business News.
Not too long ago, she was honoured with Award of Excellence as the best maritime Journalist of the year’
She is known for discipline, honesty integrity and humility in carrying out her professional duties.
Some of her colleagues, who spoke with our Correspondent after the election yesterday, described her as respectful, hard working and resilient, while others said that her Intelligence and good behaviour are influenced by her religious background, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Her academic background has also contributed greatly to her career prospect. For instance, she was among the three best graduating students at Masters’ Degree Level, from the prestigious University of Lagos (Unilag), in 2016 academic session, department of Public Administration (MPA). She graduated with PhD grade of 4.6.
Also, she holds Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Economics; and National Diploma in Mass Communication.
She appreciates team work, family values and regard for human dignity.
Another good quality of Udeme Clement, is her decent manner of dressing, as well as her natural black African beauty.
The Powerful Pen Media Chapel is made up of members of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN). The Chapel through its monthly programmes and responsible reportage has added value to the maritime industry tremendously.
In 2021 alone, the Chapel has organised series of programmes. These include the special Congress on Apapa perennial traffic gridlock, Nigeria’s readiness for African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA); the National Maritime Summit, which took place at RockView hotel recently; Maritime sector review, where stakeholders from various organisations assembled and assessed performance of the sector in 2021 half year.. The Chapel also organised a special congress that focused on sustainability of NIMASA”s Deep Blue project, among others.
Recall that it was after the Powerful Pen Chapel special Congress, held in January 14, 2021, on Apapa traffic that the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), introduced Electronic Call-up system in February to tackle Apapa traffic crisis.
It is also on record that the chapel was the first group to organise a programme on NIMASA’s Deep Blue project, where a Communique was officially issued, even before President Muhammadu Buhari formally launched the assets in Lagos.
Under the in-coming Chairman, expectations are high, as members want more progress for the Chapel. The Chairman-elect also commended Comrade Ugochukwu for the achievements made so far by the Chapel. She attributed the successes recorded by the Chapel to the ingenuity and visionary leadership of Ray Ugochukwu, who is highly respected in the maritime industry, and the media world at large.
Members of the new Exco includes Asuquo Nuwak – as Vice Chairman, Silas Onuoha – Secretary, Dili Utomi – Assistant Secretary, Patrick Onugbor – Financial Secretary, Ossy Onyenwezi – Treasurer and Joe Njoku – Internal Auditor.
