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

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on the newly inaugurated executive of the Society of Practicing Television Cameramen, FCT Chapter, to deepen professional training, embrace emerging technologies, and strengthen ethical standards in broadcast journalism.

Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday in Abuja, Grace Ike congratulated the new leadership on its election, describing the moment as pivotal for broadcast journalism, which she said now demands technical excellence, ethical practice, creative storytelling, and digital fluency.

She assured the new executive of NUJ FCT’s readiness to work closely with SOPTCAM FCT in building capacity and strengthening professional standards across the media industry.

According to her, “ 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

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

Comrade Ike advised members to embrace digital workflows and online platforms that would expand opportunities for revenue, innovation, and audience engagement.

Ike also wished the new executives a tenure marked by unity, bold initiatives, and measurable progress for members and the wider broadcasting community.

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

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

Femi said the new executive had accepted its mandate with humility and a strong sense of duty, stressing that the responsibility was a collective trust to advance the growth, welfare, dignity, and professional standing of practicing television cameramen in the FCT.

He unveiled a six-point agenda for the new administration, focusing on professional growth and training, 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 treat their craft as a serious business by building strong professional identities, maintaining integrity, investing in presentation, and prioritising storytelling that reflects both the beauty and reality of Nigeria.

He advised cameramen to establish professional digital platforms, keep to timelines, honour contracts, and continually evolve their creative style to remain relevant in a competitive media environment.

The inauguration marks a new chapter for SOPTCAM FCT as the association seeks to strengthen professionalism, improve welfare, and reposition cameramen for greater impact in the evolving media landscape.