Evolve or Be Left Behind: FCT NUJ Boss Demands Digital Training, Higher Ethics for Broadcast Cameramen
By Omoyeni Ojeifo
To keep pace with the fast-evolving landscape of broadcast media, NUJ FCT Council Chairman Grace Ike has advocated for routine retraining and digital upskilling for TV cameramen, alongside a renewed commitment to professional ethics.
Ike made the plea in Abuja at the swearing-in of the inaugural elected executives of the Society of Practicing Television Cameramen (SOPTCAM), FCT Chapter—an event she hailed as a major milestone for the industry.
“Today’s broadcast industry demands technical excellence, ethical conduct, creative storytelling and digital fluency,” she said.
The NUJ FCT chairman pledged the council’s support for the new executive through initiatives aimed at strengthening professional standards and expanding capacity-building opportunities.
“The NUJ FCT Council is ready to partner with SOPTCAM through workshops, certification programmes, digital skills training and advocacy that will strengthen members’ welfare and support their professional growth.”
Ike urged practitioners to embrace continuous learning and adapt to emerging technologies shaping the media industry.
“We encourage you to embrace continuous learning, keep pace with emerging technologies, uphold visual ethics, prioritise safety on assignments and sharpen your multimedia storytelling skills,” she added.
Taking charge of SOPTCAM FCT’s first executive, Chairman Femi Ekundayo described the inauguration as a fresh beginning for the media industry in the nation’s capital city.
He launched a six-point agenda centred on professional development, members’ welfare, ethical standards, access to modern equipment, institutional discipline and transparent leadership.
“This mandate is not for the benefit of a few individuals. It is a collective trust to advance the growth, welfare, dignity and professional standing of practicing television cameramen in the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Ekundayo said the agenda would be implemented through training, strategic partnerships, improved welfare packages, stronger professional standards and initiatives designed to unite members while raising the association’s profile.
“The media space is becoming more competitive and technology-driven. We will organise regular capacity-building programmes, masterclasses, workshops and certification training to keep our members skilled, relevant and globally competitive,” he said.
He said the executive would also strengthen support for members through healthcare and insurance initiatives, while enforcing a code of conduct to promote professionalism and accountability.
“Our lens have captured Nigeria’s story for years. It is time we focus the lens on ourselves.”
Ekundayo urged members, past leaders and stakeholders to unite in building a stronger and more respected professional body.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of SOPTCAM, Comrade Olugbenga Adejuwon, urged members to treat television camerawork as a serious profession by building strong identities, maintaining integrity, improving their presentation and prioritising storytelling that captures Nigeria’s realities.
He advised practitioners to create professional digital platforms, honour contracts, meet deadlines and continually improve their creative style to remain relevant in a competitive media environment.