By Zeniat Abubakar
Members of the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) have dissolved the association’s executive committee and constituted an interim leadership alongside a three-member electoral committee to oversee a transition aimed at repositioning the organisation.
The decisions were reached at an Emergency Congress in Abuja, where environmental journalists from various media organisations deliberated on the state of the association, its leadership structure, and measures to strengthen its governance.
The Congress expressed concern over what members described as the prolonged tenure of the outgoing executive led by Mr. Amechi Chukwuekwu Oyema and the absence of an electoral process for the emergence of new leadership.
Following deliberations, members unanimously adopted a motion dissolving the executive and approved the establishment of an interim administration pending fresh elections.
To facilitate the transition, the Congress inaugurated a three-member Electoral Committee comprising Chidi Ugwu, Adah Achanya and Adekunle Silver Buruji. The committee was mandated to conduct elections within one month and work with the former executive to recover all documents, records, bank details and other assets belonging to the association.
An Interim Leadership Committee was also inaugurated to manage the affairs of EMCAN during the transition. The committee is headed by Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah as Interim Chairman, with David Onoja serving as Interim Secretary. Other members are Zeniat Abubakar, Abigael Joshua, Samuel Adeyinka and Folarin Kehinde.
Speaking after the inauguration, members said the resolutions were taken in the interest of strengthening the association, promoting accountability, encouraging wider participation and ensuring that EMCAN operates in line with democratic principles and professional standards.
“The interim leadership will provide transparent and inclusive leadership while working closely with the Electoral Committee to deliver credible elections within the stipulated one-month period.”
— EMCAN Interim Leadership
The interim leadership pledged to provide transparent and inclusive leadership while working closely with the Electoral Committee to deliver credible elections within the stipulated one-month period.
The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant association capable of effectively advancing the interests of environmental journalists and contributing to improved environmental reporting and advocacy across Nigeria.
