In an election held through electronic voting (e-Voting), the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) has ushered in a new era of digital transformation. The election, conducted at the newly commissioned Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, witnessed the selection of new officials tasked with steering NITRA’s course over the next three years.
Under the watchful eyes of Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman of the NUJ Lagos Council, and Mr. Tunde Olalere, Executive Secretary, the election process unfolded. Four out of six candidates secured their positions unopposed, while the Vice Chairman and Financial Secretary roles saw intense competition.
Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, hailing from Communications Week, secured an uncontested victory as the returning NITRA Chairman. Also reclaiming their positions uncontested were Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, representing eBusiness Life Communication Limited, as General Secretary, and Mrs. Chioma Ezike, from FRCN, as Treasurer. Joining the executive committee are Ugochi Emmanuel of Techlife Media & Communications, who clinched the Assistant Secretary/Welfare position, and Samson Akintaro, emerging triumphant in the closely contested financial secretary race. However, the position of Vice Chairman was left vacant due to the absence of contesting candidates, necessitating a subsequent re-run election.
Speaking about the election process, Mr. Romanus Imah, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, emphasized NITRA’s commitment to championing digital processes and fostering inclusivity. Despite encountering challenges, the employment of the e-Voting system proved to be the most effective mechanism, ensuring that every member, regardless of their presence, had the opportunity to exercise their voting rights. Mr. Imah expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee and the entire membership for their unwavering cooperation throughout the election period.
Addressing the association as the newly elected Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi outlined NITRA’s vision, aspirations, and hopes. He called upon all members to unite and collaborate closely with the executive committee to realize these objectives, emphasizing the need to build upon the achievements of the previous tenure. Mr. Onwuegbuchi reassured members that all campaign promises made by the new executive committee would be diligently fulfilled. He rallied the membership to work collectively, ensuring that NITRA secures its rightful place as a leading force in the dynamic Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman of the NUJ Lagos Council, stressed the importance of collaboration between NITRA and the NUJ, enabling them to tap into a plethora of benefits, including valuable training opportunities and enhanced representation. He encouraged NITRA members to actively engage in the NUJ monthly Congress, assuring them of unwavering support from his administration.
Founded in 2014 with the aim of driving accelerated industry growth, NITRA remains dedicated to collaborating with key stakeholders in the information technology sector, both locally and internationally. The association, officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2021, has successfully forged partnerships with industry stakeholders, hosting enlightening events such as the monthly Breakfast Meeting with CEOs and the Quarterly Forum. These platforms have attracted prominent industry figures, including Mr. Austin Okere, Founder of CWG Plc, Mr. Ike Nnamani, CEO of Medallion, Mr. Tunde Coker, former Rack Center CEO, and Mr. Gbenga Adegbiji, General Manager of MainOne Data Center (MDXI), among others.
The newly elected executive committee members are poised to serve a three-year tenure, extending until 2026, as they embark on the transformational journey of positioning NITRA as a frontrunner in driving digital innovation within the information technology landscape.
