A New Era for Association Of Imo Based Journalists, AIBJ: Deacon Dan Opara (Danjay ThePressman) Now Elected As Chairman…Assures Quality Leadership, All Inclusive Leadership
Freedom MacBenedict
The Association of Imo Based Journalists (AIBJ), a registered media welfare association operating under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has successfully conducted its 2026 Executive Council Election, resulting in the emergence of a new leadership team that will pilot the affairs of the association.
The election was held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, in a peaceful, transparent, and orderly atmosphere.
Members of the association actively participated in the democratic process, which concluded successfully without incident.
At the end of the exercise, the Electoral Committee (EleCo) officially declared the winners, with Deacon Daniel Opara (Danjay ThePressman) emerging as the duly elected Chairman of the Association of Imo Based Journalists (AIBJ).
The newly elected Executive Council comprises:
Deacon Daniel Opara (Danjay ThePressman), Chairman
Comrade Ifeanyi Iheakanwa, Vice Chairman
Comrade Ebenezer Ojor, Secretary
Comrade Ibe Ifeanyichukwu, Assistant Secretary
Comrade Mary Ugorji, Treasurer
Comrade Chukwudi Ikpe, Financial Secretary
Comrade Hamilton Onuchukwu, Legal Adviser
Comrade Anthonia (Tonia) Nwachukwu, Welfare Officer
Comrade Iyke Ozurumba, Provost
Comrade Jude Onyenedogha, Auditor
The Electoral Committee was chaired by Comrade Austin Echereozor, who supervised the successful conduct of the election.
Comrade Hamilton Onuchukwu served as the Secretary of the Electoral Committee, while Comrade Anthonia (Tonia) Nwachukwu served as a member of the committee throughout the electoral process.
Members of the association commended the Electoral Committee for conducting a peaceful, credible, transparent, and well coordinated election.
They described the exercise as a demonstration of the association’s commitment to democratic principles, unity, and institutional growth.
The successful conclusion of the election marks the beginning of a new administration expected to strengthen unity among members, promote professionalism, improve welfare, uphold ethical journalism, and implement programmes that will reposition the Association of Imo Based Journalists (AIBJ) for greater relevance and sustainable development.
Shortly after the election and inauguration, the newly elected Executive Council, led by the Chairman, Deacon Daniel Opara (Danjay), paid a familiarisation and endorsement visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, JP.
The NUJ Chairman warmly received the new AIBJ leadership and congratulated them on their emergence. He urged the executives to remain committed to the ideals of journalism, uphold professionalism, promote unity within the association, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and progress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
He also encouraged members of the new executive to work together in an atmosphere of love, mutual respect, and shared purpose in order to achieve the association’s vision and objectives.
