ASABA — Comrade (Deacon) Patrick Ochei has emerged as the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, following his victory at the Council’s triennial delegates’ conference held in Asaba on Thursday October 15, 2026.
Ochei, Editor-in-Chief of Anioma Trust Newspapers and Managing Editor of Integrity Watchdog Magazine, polled 241 votes to defeat his challenger, Comrade Monday Osayande, Asaba correspondent of The Guardian Newspaper, who polled 173 in the keenly contested election.
His victory marks a remarkable return to the leadership of the union, where he has previously served in different capacities, including Vice Chairman in 2017 and Secretary in 2020. These positions afforded him valuable experience in union administration, professional engagement and the affairs of journalists in Delta State.
In 2023, Ochei stepped away from active union leadership following his appointment to serve with the Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, Ph.D. However, after recently resigning from the appointment, he returned to the NUJ political arena to contest for the Vice Chairmanship position, a move that culminated in his election victory.
Widely regarded by his colleagues as a thoroughbred and resourceful journalist, Ochei has earned the affection and respect of many within the journalism community through his professional experience, commitment to the craft and longstanding involvement in union affairs.
His emergence is expected to bring his wealth of experience from previous leadership positions to bear on the administration of the NUJ Delta State Council, particularly in advancing journalists’ welfare, strengthening professional solidarity and promoting ethical journalism.
For Ochei, the victory represents more than a return to office; it marks another chapter in his enduring relationship with the union and his colleagues, whose votes have entrusted him with the responsibility of serving once again in the leadership of the NUJ Delta State Council.
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