… Joycelyn promises reforms as new executives assume office
By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), former Chairman of the Environment Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN), Mr. Chuks Oyema, and other stakeholders have congratulated the newly elected Executive Committee of EMCAN, expressing optimism that the association is headed for a new era of unity, growth and professional development.
The new EMCAN leadership, led by its Chairman, Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, emerged from a peaceful and transparent election conducted on August 31, 2026.
The election was conducted by an electoral committee led by Chidi and Deborah, among others, and was witnessed by representatives of the NUJ.
Speaking during the exercise, the NUJ Secretary, Jide, commended the peaceful conduct of the election and called on members of EMCAN to unite behind the new leadership for the progress and development of the association.
He also reaffirmed the NUJ’s neutrality, stressing the need for unity, professionalism and progress within EMCAN.
In his congratulatory message to the new executives, Oyema, a founding chairman of EMCAN, described their emergence as the beginning of another important chapter in the history of the association.
Oyema, who likened the transition to the biblical movement “from Moses to Joshua,” urged the new executive to build on the foundation laid by the pioneer leadership while learning from past experiences and challenges.
He acknowledged the contributions of pioneer members, including Madam Helen of Blueprint, Chief Godson of FRCN, Ms. Chika of Leadership, Ms. Ngozi of Pilot and Alhaji Abdulsalam of PR Nigeria, among others, for their sacrifices and commitment to establishing and nurturing EMCAN.
According to him, the dedication of the pioneer members helped build an association that has grown in recognition and attractiveness within the media and environmental sectors.
Oyema urged the new executive to lead with humility, transparency, fairness and a spirit of service, stressing that the future of EMCAN depended largely on its ability to unite members around a common vision.
He also called for a stronger culture of mutual support among members, urging journalists within the association to celebrate one another’s achievements rather than allow personal accomplishments to become sources of misunderstanding or division.
He said members should see the success of one colleague as a victory for the entire association, noting that EMCAN could become stronger when members encouraged and supported one another.
Oyema further challenged the new leadership to position EMCAN to take advantage of opportunities in the environmental sector, which he described as vast, technical and increasingly important to national development.
He expressed confidence that “EMCAN’s best days are still ahead,” while praying for wisdom, unity and success for the new executive.
Responding, the newly elected Chairman of EMCAN, Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, thanked Oyema for his message and described his call for unity and progress as timely and inspiring.
Adah acknowledged the contributions of the pioneer leaders, saying EMCAN might not have existed in its present form without their sacrifices and commitment.
She assured the former chairman and other pioneer members that the new leadership would continue to seek their guidance, advice and direction as it works to reposition the association.
“Once again, we thank and appreciate you and your EXCOs,” she said, while expressing gratitude for the foundation laid by the former leadership.
The new chairman also pledged to work towards reforms that would strengthen EMCAN, promote unity among members and position the association for greater professional opportunities and impact.
The peaceful transition has been widely described by stakeholders as an opportunity for EMCAN to consolidate its gains, address past challenges and chart a new course for sustainable growth.
With the new executive now assuming responsibility, members are expected to rally behind the leadership as it begins the task of strengthening the association and advancing the interests of environmental correspondents across Nigeria.
The election and transition have therefore set the stage for what stakeholders hope will be a new chapter defined by unity, professionalism, mutual support, reforms and greater opportunities for members.
