The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State chapter has elected new officers to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years following a keenly contested election.
The incumbent Chairman, Hon. Promise Uzoma Okoro , was returned unopposed to continue in office, reaffirming the confidence of members in his leadership.
In the election, Chika Nwabueze emerged as Vice Chairman after polling 20 votes to defeat his opponent, Dr. Steve Unegbu, who secured 4 votes.Other officers elected included Ikokwu Ogbonnaya as Secretary, Chibuzor Aguwa as Treasurer, while Kate Okereke Polycarp was elected as the Public Relations Officer of the association.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee (ELECO), Ugochukwu Nwankwo, formally dissolved the outgoing executive committee and urged members to maintain decorum throughout the electoral process.He also charged those who emerged victorious to uphold the ideals and objectives of the association while working collectively to strengthen the body.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Promise Okoro expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue working toward the growth, unity, and professional advancement of the association in the state.
Reflecting on his first tenure which began in 2024, Okoro noted that the administration implemented key reforms aimed at strengthening the structure and public perception of online media practice in Abia State.
According to him, the association improved internal coordination, enhanced public engagement, and secured a secretariat for the union with the support of one of its patrons—an achievement he said has given the body visibility and institutional identity.
He observed that the media landscape has evolved significantly, stressing that digital platforms have become central to governance communication, political engagement, corporate branding, and public accountability.
Okoro urged online publishers to uphold the highest standards of journalism by prioritizing accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical reporting, warning members against allowing themselves to be used for political propaganda or personal vendettas.
“As members of OMPAN, we must deliberately elevate online media practice in Abia State to a standard that commands national respect,” he said.
The chairman also congratulated the newly elected executive members and emphasized that leadership within the organization would remain consultative and transparent.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election cycle, Okoro disclosed that the association plans to provide a neutral platform for political actors to engage the public. According to him, OMPAN intends to invite aspirants particularly governorship and senatorial contenders to structured media engagements where they will present their development plans to the public.
He clarified that the initiative would not amount to endorsement of any candidate but would instead promote informed civic participation.
Okoro further revealed that the association would focus on institutional consolidation during the new tenure and pursue another major project to strengthen its legacy.
He also announced that a committee would soon be constituted to organize activities marking the 10th anniversary of OMPAN in Abia State, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the growth of organized online media practice in the state.
The chairman called on members to remain united despite differences in editorial style or political views, stressing that the strength of the association lies in its collective identity.
The newly elected officials were later sworn in and administered the oath of office by Barr. Dim Chinonso Godwin.
