Okoro Retains Chairmanship as OMPAN Abia Elects New Officers

Okoro Retains Chairmanship as OMPAN Abia Elects New Officers

The Abia State chapter of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) has elected new officers to lead the association for the next two years, returning its incumbent chairman, Hon. Promise Uzoma Okoro, anipr, to continue in office.

Okoro was returned unopposed at the election conducted by the association, reaffirming members’ confidence in his leadership.

In the keenly contested race for the position of Vice Chairman, Chika Nwabueze emerged victorious after polling 20 votes to defeat his opponent, Dr. Steve Unegbu, who secured four votes.

Other officers elected include Ikokwu Ogbonnaya as Secretary, Chibuzor Aguwa as Treasurer, and Kate Okereke Polycarp as the Public Relations Officer of the association.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee (ELECO), Ugochukwu Nwankwo, dissolved the outgoing executive committee before the commencement of the election.

He urged members to maintain decorum during the process and advised those elected to remain committed to the ideals and objectives of the association while working collectively to strengthen the body.

In his acceptance speech, Okoro thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue working towards the growth, unity and professional advancement of the association in the state.
Reflecting on his first tenure, which began in 2024, the chairman said his administration implemented several reforms aimed at strengthening the structure and public perception of online media practice in Abia State.

According to him, the association improved internal coordination among members and enhanced its public engagement.

He also highlighted the securing of a secretariat for the association with the support of one of its patrons, describing the development as a major milestone that has given OMPAN greater visibility and institutional identity.

Okoro noted that the media landscape has evolved significantly, with digital platforms now playing a central role in governance communication, political engagement, corporate branding and public accountability.

He urged online publishers to uphold the highest standards of journalism by prioritizing accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical reporting.

The chairman also cautioned members against allowing themselves to be used for political propaganda or personal vendettas, stressing that the credibility of online media depends on professionalism and editorial independence.

“As members of OMPAN, we must deliberately elevate online media practice in Abia State to a standard that commands national respect,” he said.

Okoro congratulated the newly elected executive members and assured that leadership within the association would remain consultative and transparent.

Looking ahead to the 2027 election cycle, he disclosed that the association plans to provide a neutral platform for political actors to engage with the public.

He explained that OMPAN intends to invite aspirants, particularly governorship and senatorial contenders, to structured media engagements where they will present their development plans to citizens ahead of the elections.

According to him, the initiative will not amount to endorsement of any candidate but will serve to promote informed civic participation.
Okoro further revealed that the association would focus on institutional consolidation during the new tenure while also embarking on another major project aimed at strengthening its legacy.

He also announced plans to constitute a committee that will organize activities to mark 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 approach or political views, emphasizing that the strength of the association lies in its collective identity.

He urged members to remain committed to professionalism, integrity and constructive engagement within the media space.

The newly elected officers were later sworn into office by Barrister Dim Chinonso Godwin, who administered the oath of office.