The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), Abuja Chapter, has elected a new executive committee to oversee the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The election, described by members as free, fair and transparent, produced Gabriel Kuma of Prompt TV Online as Chairman.
Other elected officials are Damilola Ogunwole as Vice Chairman, Ossom Raphael of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) as General Secretary, Jennifer Inah of Voice of Nigeria (VON) as Welfare Officer, Queen Ile-Emeje of Aso Television as Publicity Secretary, and Lucy Ogalue of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Treasurer.
The positions of Financial Secretary, Auditor and Assistant General Secretary remain vacant.
The newly elected executives emerged unopposed during the election. Kuma secured 26 votes, Raphael polled 26 votes, Ogunwale received 25 votes, Ogalue scored 25 votes, Ile-Emeje garnered 24 votes, while Inah secured 23 votes.
Following the election, the new executive committee took over from the outgoing leadership headed by Ifeanyi Onuba of The Whistler newspaper.
In his acceptance speech, Kuma expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead an inclusive, transparent and accountable administration.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence you have reposed in me by electing me as Chairman of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria,” he said.
Kuma paid tribute to past leaders of the association for their contributions to its growth and development, noting that his administration would work closely with former chairmen to strengthen the association.
According to him, plans are underway to establish a Committee of Past Chairmen to provide strategic guidance and help leverage relationships built over the years with government agencies, regulators, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders.
The new chairman also pledged to build on the achievements of previous administrations by strengthening existing partnerships and creating new opportunities for members.
He said the association would seek stronger engagement with ministries, departments and agencies, regulatory institutions, the organised private sector, development partners and international organisations.
Kuma stressed that the welfare of members would remain a major focus of his administration, adding that efforts would be made to improve both the professional and personal well-being of members.
He noted that CICAN had been built over the years through the sacrifices and contributions of its members and promised to advance the association while preserving its legacy.
