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, themed “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 thousands of delegates from across the country, as well as dignitaries and major stakeholders in the media and cultural sector. In his opening remarks, the Gombe State Governor, HE 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.
The conference featured several notable events, including exhibitions by the cultural troop of Gombe State and a keynote address by Prof. Mohammed Mahmoud Baba from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. The highlight of the conference was the election of new leadership for the union.
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, a prominent labour leader from Progress FM Ado Ekiti 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 the improved welfare of all members.
The President of the 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 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 the 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.
