Funke Egbemode re-elected Guild of Editors’ President

The Managing Director of New Telegraph newspaper, Funke Egbemode has been re-elected as the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for another two-year term, as she was elected unopposed during the 2019 Biennial Convention, weekend, in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event had Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, Acting Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Adamu, all represented, among others, in attendance.

Just like Egbemode, Deputy President, Umar Tudunwada; Vice President, West, Mustapha Isa; General Secretary, Mary Atolagbe; Assistant General Secretary, Austeen Elewodalu; Treasurer, Victoria Ibanga, and Social/Publicity Secretary, Ken Ugbechie were elected unopposed.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Ray Ekpu, who announced the winner of the elections at 9:45pm, explained that the delay in the announcement was to ensure thorough democratic process prevailed at the convention.

Announcing the results, a member of the committee, Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, declared Hajia Sani, winner as the Vice President (North), while the seat for Vice President (East) was won by Samuel Egbala.

Steve Nwosu was also re-elected as Standing Committee, West, with a total votes of 202, while Editor of Vanguard newspapers, Eze Anaba, came second with a total of 165 votes.

Gabriel Akinadewo came third with 125 votes, while Adeleye Ajayi of News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) lost, as he came fourth with 114 votes. There were three slots for Standing Committee, West.

Responding on behalf of the elected members, Egbemode assured members that the committee would serve the Guild diligently and embark on wider consultations to ensure the stance of NGE reflects the opinion of every member.

While describing the contest as breathtaking, Egbemode stressed that the committee would strengthen NGE to protect the interest of members.

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has congratulated Egbemode and other elected officials in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, saying Egbemode surpassed expectations in the last two years and also took the body of gatekeepers in the media a notch higher.