By Our Correspondent in Abuja
The Society of Practicing Television Cameramen, FCT Chapter, SOPTCAM FCT, has announced the successful inauguration of its first democratically elected Executive Committee. The association said the milestone marks a new chapter in the history of the association in the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCT chapter expressed profound gratitude to the National Executive of SOPTCAM, led by the National President, for the confidence, guidance, and support throughout the electoral and transition process. It noted that the national leadership provided the direction and stability that made the democratic exercise possible.
The chapter also commended the Chairman and Secretary of the Electoral Committee for conducting a transparent, credible, and peaceful election. It said their commitment to fairness, due process, and order reinforced confidence in democratic values and strengthened the foundation upon which SOPTCAM FCT will now be built.
In a statement signed by Messrs Ekunkonye Femi, Rasak Adejinri, Olanrewaju Akomolode, Chairman, Secretary, and the Public Relations Officer respectively, among others, the chapter thanked the entire SOPTCAM FCT family for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in the collective vision. “We are deeply honoured by the trust reposed in us and we do not take it for granted,” the statement said.
The Executive said it accepted the responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. It stressed that the mandate is a collective trust to advance the growth, welfare, dignity, and professional standing of practicing television cameramen in the FCT, noting that the media industry is evolving rapidly and the role of the professional cameraman must evolve with it.
The new FCT Executives presented a 6-Point Agenda to guide the affairs of SOPTCAM FCT for this tenure. The first is Professional Growth and Training, Sharpening the Craft. The chapter said it will organize regular capacity-building programmes, masterclasses, workshops, and certification training in partnership with media organizations, equipment manufacturers, and training institutions to ensure members remain skilled and competitive.
The second point is Welfare, Health, and Insurance.The Executive said the well-being of members will be a top priority through welfare schemes, emergency support, healthcare access, and group insurance opportunities, adding that no member should practice in fear of medical or financial vulnerability.
On Jobs, Standards, and Respect, the Executive said it will actively pursue employment opportunities and professional engagements for members while upholding ethical standards, fair remuneration, and professional conduct. It pledged to advocate for the dignity and respect that every camera professional deserves.
The fourth agenda is Gear, Collaboration, and Support. The chapter said it will pursue strategic partnerships with equipment vendors, media houses, and development partners to improve access to gear through leasing, co-ownership, and training, while also encouraging collaboration among members.
For Discipline, Order, and Professional Conduct, the Executive declared zero tolerance for indiscipline. It said a clear code of conduct will be enforced and a Disciplinary Committee inaugurated to address misconduct, with sanctions applied fairly and transparently in line with the constitution.
The sixth point is Unity, Transparency, and Visibility. The Executive said it will foster unity across agencies, organizations, and freelance practice, run an open and accountable leadership, and increase the visibility of SOPTCAM FCT through advocacy and partnerships.
The Executive appealed to founding fathers, past leaders, and stakeholders to reunite and provide guidance. It pledged to serve with integrity, transparency and discipline, and concluded: “Our lens has captured Nigeria’s story for years. Now it’s time we focused the lens on ourselves.”
