Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo has been re-elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, for another three-year tenure, with stakeholders urging her administration to consolidate its achievements and focus more on journalists’ welfare, professional development and press freedom.
Pwaspo, who became the first female chairman of the Plateau NUJ Council, secured the fresh mandate during the council’s election held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the NUJ Plateau State Council Secretariat in Jos.
In her acceptance speech, Pwaspo described the renewed mandate as a greater responsibility to serve and protect the interests and welfare of journalists in the state.
She thanked delegates, members, supporters and stakeholders for their confidence, promising transparency and accountability in the management of the council.
The chairman pledged to consolidate the achievements of her first tenure while prioritising journalists’ welfare, professional development, digital skills and emerging technologies, press freedom, ethical journalism and the strengthening of NUJ chapels.
Pwaspo said the journalism profession was undergoing significant transformation driven by digital technology, artificial intelligence, social media and changing patterns of news consumption, stressing the need to equip journalists with the skills required to remain relevant and professionally responsible.
Reflecting on her first three-year tenure during her valedictory remarks, she said the administration recorded achievements in strengthening relationships between the union, government and other stakeholders, while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence through programmes including the NUJ Christmas Carol, Ramadan Lectures and Cultural Day.
She also disclosed that the council pursued financial sustainability through income-generating assets at the NUJ Press Centre and strengthened its role in discussions around governance, peace, security and development.
Pwaspo, however, paid tribute to journalists who died during her first tenure, noting that the council lost 10 colleagues within the period.
Reacting to the election, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, commended NUJ members for the peaceful conduct of the poll, describing it as a demonstration of maturity, professionalism and commitment to democratic values.
Ramnap said the process reflected the union’s commitment to democratic principles, while acknowledging the cordial relationship between the NUJ and the state government.
She said journalists remained important to informing the public, shaping narratives and contributing to the development of the state, adding that the government valued its partnership with the media.
Also congratulating Pwaspo and the newly elected executive council, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the election as a vote of confidence in the leadership and its achievements during the first tenure.
In a message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang commended Pwaspo’s capacity, courage and commitment to what he described as inclusive and purposeful leadership.
The governor urged the re-elected executives to consolidate the gains of the past three years, improve professional standards, strengthen ethical journalism and contribute to peace and good governance in Plateau.
He also assured the NUJ of his administration’s continued partnership and engagement with the media, stressing that a vibrant, responsible, professional and independent press was important to democracy, public accountability and development.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, described the re-election as a strong affirmation of the confidence journalists had reposed in Pwaspo and her team.
Daniel urged the new executive to reciprocate the confidence by prioritising journalists’ welfare, professional advancement and institutional development.
He called for greater unity among journalists, expanded opportunities for professional training and capacity building, and adherence to the core values of accuracy, fairness, balance and responsibility in reportage.
The Speaker also reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Assembly to maintaining a productive relationship with the NUJ and the wider media community, noting the importance of effective communication between the legislature and citizens.
The Grand Patron of the NUJ Plateau State Council and Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammad Haruna, also commended the outgoing leadership for its performance and urged the new executive to build on its achievements.
The traditional ruler praised journalists in the state for improved professionalism and responsible reporting, urging them to continue reporting facts without allowing political, religious or ethnic considerations to influence their work.
In a separate goodwill message, a former National Secretary of the NUJ, Shu’aibu Usman Leman, congratulated Pwaspo and members of the executive on their re-election, describing the fresh mandate as an affirmation of their leadership, character, commitment and capacity.
Leman urged the chairman to remain a leader for all by carrying members along and ensuring transparency, accountability, fairness and inclusiveness in the affairs of the council.
He also pledged continued support and the sharing of his experience towards initiatives aimed at advancing the dignity, welfare and professional standing of journalists.
With the renewed mandate, stakeholders have tasked the Pwaspo-led council with deepening professional solidarity, strengthening journalists’ welfare, embracing emerging technologies and protecting the credibility and independence of journalism in Plateau State.
The election was conducted under the supervision of members of the NUJ National Executive Council from Zone D.
