By Aviashima Toom, Abuja
With the inauguration of the Interim Executive Committee led by Joycelyn Ellakeche Ada, members have expressed renewed hope for a more inclusive, transparent and vibrant association.
The call now is for all stakeholders, including the outgoing leadership, to embrace reconciliation, support a peaceful transition and work together to build a stronger EMCAN where unity, professionalism, institutional development and members’ welfare remain the highest priorities.
The recent leadership developments within the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) present not only a period of challenge but also a unique opportunity for renewal, reconciliation and institutional growth.
The events that followed the Emergency Congress held in Abuja on July 31, 2026, have generated differing opinions among members over governance, procedure and the future direction of the association. Beyond these differing views, however, lies a common aspiration—to build a stronger, more united and more responsive professional body that places the welfare of its members at the heart of its activities.
At the Emergency Congress, members resolved to constitute an Interim Leadership Committee under the chairmanship of Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, with David Onoja serving as Interim Secretary, alongside other committee members. The Congress also inaugurated a three-member Electoral Committee with the mandate to conduct fresh elections within one month.
Many members viewed these decisions as necessary steps towards revitalising EMCAN, restoring internal democracy, encouraging active participation and creating a more inclusive association capable of advancing the professional interests and welfare of environmental journalists across Nigeria.
The emergence of the interim leadership has also prompted renewed appreciation of the contributions made by the outgoing chairman, Mr. Amechi Chukwuekwu Oyema. During his tenure, he laid important foundations for the association, including securing EMCAN’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), opening a corporate bank account and initiating engagements with the Federal Ministry of Environment towards institutional recognition.
In his message to members before the congress, Mr. Oyema candidly reflected on both the achievements and shortcomings of his administration. He acknowledged that his involvement in a demanding project since 2023 significantly reduced the time he could dedicate to the association. He also expressed hope that a new generation of committed, capable and visionary leaders would build upon the foundation already established and take EMCAN to greater heights.
For many members, that message reflected his commitment to the long-term growth and sustainability of the association. Although subsequent disagreements have centred on the process through which the leadership transition occurred, many stakeholders believe that the greater priority should now be preserving the unity and stability of EMCAN rather than allowing procedural differences to deepen divisions.
Leadership transitions are rarely without challenges. However, history has shown that strong institutions emerge when leaders and members alike place the collective interest above individual differences and work together in pursuit of a shared vision.
The appeal by trustee Mr. Jide Babalola for dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect echoes the sentiments of many members who believe EMCAN’s greatest strength lies in its unity. His intervention serves as a timely reminder that sustainable progress can only be achieved through cooperation, understanding and a commitment to the association’s common purpose.
As the Interim Leadership Committee begins its assignment, members are optimistic that it will provide inclusive and transparent leadership, faithfully execute its mandate of organising credible elections and introduce initiatives that promote professional development while improving the welfare of members.
Many stakeholders also believe this is an appropriate moment for Mr. Oyema and members of the former executive to demonstrate statesmanship by supporting the transition process. By lending their experience, embracing dialogue and allowing the association to move forward peacefully, they would not only preserve the legacy of their contributions but also reinforce their commitment to the enduring success of EMCAN.
Ultimately, the strength of EMCAN will not be determined by who occupies leadership positions, but by its ability to serve its members effectively, promote excellence in environmental journalism and contribute meaningfully to environmental advocacy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The current transition therefore offers a defining opportunity for every stakeholder—the former leadership, the Interim Executive Committee and the general membership—to unite behind a shared vision of peace, democratic governance, institutional development and improved welfare for all members. If embraced in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, this moment could mark the beginning of a stronger, more united and more resilient EMCAN.
