The Radio, Television, Theater and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) 7th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference and Election, held from July 15th to 17th, 2025, in Gombe State has been concluded.
The conference tagged:“Repositioning the Media, Arts and Cultural Workforce in an Era of Digital Transformation and Economic Resilience,” was hosted by the Gombe State government.
The conference urged the government at all levels to consider a special salary structure for media workers, who play a crucial role in covering and projecting government policies in the country.
It equally provided a platform for RATTAWU members to chart a new course for the union and reposition themselves for the challenges of the digital age.
Earlier in his remark, the Gombe State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Mohammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Mijiyawa Tilde, welcomed delegates to the “Jewel of the Savannah”.
He highlighted the importance of the media in shaping government policies and encouraged RATTAWU members to continue partnering with the state in various areas of development, including agriculture, education, and digital economy.
In the RATTAWU election keenly contested for, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu emerged as the new President, polling 276 votes to defeat his closest contender, Comrade Dr. Opi Erekosima, who scored 141 votes. Comrades Dare Durosimi and Jasper Taiwo Falae, a prominent labour leader from Progress FM Ado Ekiti came third and fourth, respectively.
In his acceptance speech, the new President, reiterated his determination to take the union to greater heights and promised to prioritize the improved welfare of all members.
Reacting, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, who spoke through the Returning Officer, Comrade Muttaqa, described RATTAWU as not just an affiliate but an integral component of the labour struggle. He congratulated the new leadership on their election and pledged the NLC’s support.
In a gesture of sportsmanship, the new RATTAWU President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, announced the appointment of Comrade Jasper Taiwo Falae as the National Officer and member of the Central Working Committee, the highest organ of the Union. Two Vice Presidential Candidates, Comrade Laurel Ojo and Comrade Godwin Jack, were also appointed by the President.
The conference had in attendance thousands of delegates from across the country, stakeholders in the media and cultural sector .
Dignitaries in attendance include: HRM. Alhaji Sale Muhammadu (Emir of Kaltungo), former presidents of the union, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour as well as Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.
