NUJ Warri Election: Omafuaire’s Candidacy Sparks Hope for Change

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents’ Chapel is gearing up for a crucial election, with Chief Akpokona Omafuaire running for chairman. Omafuaire’s manifesto, released on March 13, 2026, outlines his vision to prioritizing journalists’ welfare, transparency, and accountability.

The NUJ is currently facing serious challenges, including unpaid salaries, poor remuneration, and lack of insurance coverage. Omafuaire aimed to address these issues through initiatives like a welfare fund, legal response team, and safety training programs. His slogan is “Welfare First, Transparency Standard, Silence Ends.”

Omafuaire’s candidacy is seen as a chance to revitalize the union, focusing on unity, capacity-building, and support for freelance journalists.

“The NUJ has been plagued by issues such as unpaid salaries, poor remuneration, lack of health and life insurance, harassment, and job insecurity. Omafuaire aims to address these challenges through his proposed initiatives, including a journalists’ Emergency Welfare Fund, rapid legal response team, and safety training programs.

“I am contesting for chairmanship because NUJ must return to its primary purpose – protecting the welfare and rights of journalists.

“When elected, welfare will come first, transparency will be standard, and silence in the face of injustice will end,” Omafuaire partly stated.

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