The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has a new leadership that will pilot its affairs for the next three years.
Theodore Opara, the Motoring Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, emerged as a new chairman of the association in a recent keenly contested election.
The election, held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, was marked by a high voter turnout and enthusiasm.
Opara clinched the leadership position with 62% of the votes, signaling strong support from NAJA members.
His victory is expected to pave the way for a transformative tenure aimed at strengthening the association’s role in the Nigerian automotive industry.
Other officials elected alongside Opara are Segun Odunewu as Vice Chairman; Adrian Egonu as General Secretary; Cees Harmon as Assistant Secretary; Daphne Uduneje as Financial Secretary/Treasurer, and Benjamin Alade as Auditor.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman Opara expressed deep gratitude to NAJA members for their confidence in his leadership.
He vowed to elevate the status of auto journalism in Nigeria by fostering professionalism, ethical reporting, and innovation within the industry.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust my colleagues have placed in me. I assure you all of my dedication to advancing the interests of auto journalism in Nigeria.
“The industry is evolving, and we must ensure that Nigerian auto journalists remain at the forefront of innovation, professionalism, and ethical reporting,” Opara stated.
As the newly elected chairman, Opara unveiled his vision for NAJA, which includes reinforcing the association’s influence in the automotive industry, strengthening partnerships between journalists and key stakeholders, and initiating capacity-building programmes such as training workshops, mentorship initiatives, and advocacy for better welfare of members.
With decades of experience in automotive journalism, Opara is expected to bring a wealth of expertise to his new role.
Industry analysts expect his leadership to foster significant growth, further solidifying NAJA’s relevance in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Chairman of the Election Committee, Ben Oghifo, spoke on the process and commended the contestants as well as other members for conducting themselves in a dignifying way, emphasizing that it was a reflection of the democratic principles upheld by NAJA.
“The members of NAJA have spoken, and we have successfully delivered a transparent electoral process. Theodore Opara is now set to lead the association into its next chapter,” Oghifo remarked.
In his farewell address, outgoing Chairman of the association, Mike Ochonma, expressed gratitude to NAJA members for their unwavering support during his tenure.
He encouraged the association’s members to extend the same level of support to the new leadership to ensure the continued progress of NAJA.
The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association remains the premier body for professionals covering the automotive industry in Nigeria.
Its members play a critical role in shaping public discourse on industry trends, policies, and technological advancements.