The Radio, Television, Theater and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has concluded its 7th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference, held from July 15th to 17th, 2025, in Gombe State. The conference with the theme “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 was attended by hundreds of delegates from across the country, as well as dignitaries and stakeholders in the media and cultural sector.
In his opening remarks, 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.” and highlighted the importance of the media in shaping government policies while encouraging RATTAWU members to continue partnering with the state in various areas of development such as agriculture, education, and digital economy.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mohammed Mahmoud Baba from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Gombe State.
The conference featured events, including exhibitions by the cultural troop of Gombe.
The highlight of the delegate conference was the election of new leadership to run the affairs of the union for the next four years.
Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu emerged as the new President of RATTAWU, polling 276 votes to defeat his closest contender, Comrade Dr. Opi Erekosima, who scored 141 votes. Comrade Dare Durosimi and Comrade Jasper Taiwo Falae, came third and fourth, respectively. In his acceptance speech, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu reiterated his determination to take the union to greater heights and promised to prioritize an improved welfare of all members and Secretariat staff.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, represented by Comrade Muttaqa, described RATTAWU as not just an affiliate of NLC but an integral component of the labour struggle. He congratulated the new leadership on their election and pledged NLC’s support.
In a gesture of sportsmanship, the new RATTAWU President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, announced the appointment of one of the Presidential Candidates Comrade Jasper Taiwo Falae as a 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 as National Officers from South West and South South zones respectively
In his remark, the immediate past president Comrade Dr Kabir Tsanni expressed his joy towards the large turnout of delegates, members from all over the country and said that ” this is the first time RATTAWU is having thirty two contestants” participating in a delegate conference.
The conference was attended by notable dignitaries, including HRM Alhaji Sale Muhammadu (Emir of Kaltungo), former presidents of the union, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.
In a key resolution, the conference urged government at all levels to consider a special salary structure for media workers in the country, who play a crucial role in covering and projecting government policies. The conference provided a platform for RATTAWU members to chart a new course for the union and reposition themselves for the challenges of the digital age.
