Members of the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) have resolved to reposition the association through a series of decisions reached at an Emergency Congress held on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Abuja.
In a statement jointly signed by David Onoja, Interim Secretary, and Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, Interim Chairman, it was noted that the Congress, attended by environmental journalists from various media organisations, deliberated extensively on the state of the association, its leadership structure, and the need to strengthen institutional governance in line with democratic principles and professional standards.
Following deliberations, members expressed concerns over the prolonged tenure of the existing leadership and the absence of an electoral process for the emergence of the executive members. The Congress subsequently adopted a motion dissolving the existing executive led by Mr Amechi Chukwuekwu Oyema and resolved that a new interim leadership be constituted to steer the affairs of the association pending elections.
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To facilitate a transparent transition process, the Congress constituted a three member Electoral Committee comprising Chidi Ugwu, Adah Achanya, and Adekunle Silver Buruji. The committee has been mandated to conduct elections within one month and liaise with the former executives to retrieve all documents, records, bank details, and other assets belonging to the association.
The Congress also approved the appointment of an Interim Leadership Committee to oversee the affairs of EMCAN during the transition period. The committee is made up of Joycelyn E. Adah as Interim Chairman, David Onuoja as Interim Secretary, Zeniat O. Abubakar, Abigael I. Joshua, Samuel Adeyinka, and Folarin Kehinde as members.
Members emphasized that the decisions reached were guided by the collective desire to strengthen EMCAN, promote accountability, encourage broader participation, and ensure the association operates in accordance with democratic and professional best practices.
The newly inaugurated Interim Leadership Committee pledged to work with all stakeholders to foster unity, transparency, and inclusiveness while supporting the Electoral Committee to deliver credible elections within the stipulated timeframe.
The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant, and more influential association that effectively represents the interests of environmental journalists and contributes meaningfully to environmental reporting and advocacy in Nigeria.
