NUJ FCT charges new SOPTCAM excos to embrace digital innovation, raise journalism standards

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has charged the newly inaugurated executive of the Society of Practicing Television Cameramen (SOPTCAM), FCT Chapter, to prioritise professional training, embrace emerging technologies and uphold ethical standards in broadcast journalism.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja on Saturday, Ike described the emergence of the new leadership as a significant moment for broadcast journalism, stressing that the profession now demands technical excellence, ethical practice, creative storytelling and digital proficiency.

She assured the new executive of the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to collaborating with SOPTCAM in strengthening professional standards and building the capacity of media practitioners.

According to her, the union is ready to support initiatives that promote continuous learning and professional development.

“The union is prepared to support workshops, certification programmes, digital upskilling and advocacy initiatives aimed at protecting the welfare of members and improving professional development,” she said.

She further urged members to prioritise continuous training in emerging technologies, digital production and distribution, safety on set, visual ethics and multimedia storytelling.

“We encourage you to prioritise continuous training in emerging technologies, digital production and distribution, safety on set, visual ethics and multimedia storytelling,” Ike added.

She also advised members to adopt digital workflows and online platforms to unlock new opportunities for innovation, revenue generation and audience engagement.

The NUJ FCT chairman wished the new executives a successful tenure marked by unity, bold initiatives and measurable progress for members and the broader broadcasting community.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman of SOPTCAM FCT, Mr. Ekundayo Femi, described the inauguration as a historic milestone, noting that it marked the association’s first democratically elected executive committee in the Federal Capital Territory.

Femi expressed appreciation to the national leadership of SOPTCAM for its guidance throughout the electoral process, while also commending the Electoral Committee for conducting what he described as a transparent, credible and peaceful election.

He said the new executive accepted its mandate with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, describing it as a collective trust to advance the welfare, dignity and professional standing of practising television cameramen in the FCT.

Femi unveiled a six-point agenda centred on professional growth and training, members’ welfare and health, discipline and professional conduct, as well as unity, transparency and visibility.

“Our lens has captured Nigeria’s story for years. Now it’s time we focused the lens on ourselves,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of SOPTCAM, Comrade Olugbenga Adejuwon, urged members to approach their profession as a serious business by building strong professional identities, maintaining integrity, investing in personal presentation and producing stories that reflect both the beauty and realities of Nigeria.

He also encouraged cameramen to establish professional digital platforms, honour contractual obligations, keep to deadlines and continually refine their creative skills to remain competitive in the evolving media landscape.

The inauguration marks a new chapter for SOPTCAM FCT as the association seeks to strengthen professionalism, improve members’ welfare and reposition television cameramen for greater impact in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.

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