The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State chapter, has elected new officers to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.
Following a keenly contested election, the incumbent Chairman, Hon. Promise Uzoma Okoro,anipr was returned unopposed to continue in office.
Chika Nwabueze emerged as the Vice Chairman, having polled 20 votes, defeating his opponent, Dr Steve Unegbu, who got 4 votes.
Other officers elected included, Ikokwu Ogbonnaya as Secretary, Chibuzor Aguwa as Treasurer, while Kate Okereke Polycarp was elected as the Public Relations Officer of the Association.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee (ELECO), Ugochukwu Nwankwo, dissolved the outgoing executive committee and urged members to maintain decorum throughout the electoral process and charged those that would emerge victorious to uphold the ideals and objectives of the association while working together to strengthen the body.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Okoro, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue working for the growth, unity, and professional advancement of the association in the state.
Reflecting on his first tenure which began in 2024, the OMPAN chairman said the administration was able to implement key reforms aimed at strengthening the structure and public perception of online media practice in the state.
According to him, the association improved internal coordination, enhanced public engagement, and most notably secured a secretariat for the union with the support of one of its patrons, an achievement he described as giving the body visibility and institutional identity.
Okoro noted that the media landscape has significantly evolved, stressing that digital platforms have become central to governance communication, political engagement, corporate branding, and public accountability.
He said online publishers must therefore uphold the highest standards of journalism by prioritizing accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical reporting.
The chairman warned members against allowing themselves to be used for political propaganda or vendettas, insisting that the credibility of online media depends on professional conduct and 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 also congratulated the newly elected executive members of the association and emphasized that leadership within the organization would remain consultative and transparent.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election cycle, he assured that the association would provide a neutral platform for political actors to engage with the public.
According to him, OMPAN plans to invite aspirants, particularly governorship and senatorial contenders, to structured media engagements where they will present their development plans to the public ahead of the 2027 elections.
He clarified that the initiative would not serve as endorsement for any candidate but rather promote informed civic participation.
The chairman further revealed that the association would focus on institutional consolidation during the new tenure and pursue another major project to strengthen its legacy.
He also announced that a committee would soon be constituted to organize activities marking 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.
Okoro called on members to remain united despite differences in editorial style or political views, stressing that the strength of the association lies in its collective identity.
He concluded by urging members to remain committed to professionalism, integrity, and progressive engagement in the media space.
The newly officials were later sworn in and administered the oath of office, by Barr Dim Chinonso Godwin
Kate Okereke
Public Relations Officer, OMPAN
13/3/2026
