Mrs. Sandra Udeike is the chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), headquarters’ chapel. She is also an editor at the FRCN Network News Directorate. In this interview with ENE OSANG, she narrates her journey to the FRCN Union’s hierarchy, why she took up the journalism profession amongst other issues.
Tell us about your journey to the NUJ-FRCN chapel position?
Well, during the processes to the election, a particular aspirant who had been in the executive two consecutive periods without much impact, seemed to be cruising to victory, I urged other members to contest, but many were not interested. Those that were interested were very busy with other things and eventually, I decided to contest. When I declared interest in the position, many of our members were very happy, because almost everyone was yearning for a change in the union. Most of them started campaigning for me immediately. The support I received was enormous, it was massive. I formed my campaign team immediately, we started strategising. In fact, as soon as I indicated interest and picked form, the tune of the electioneering changed. Everywhere became tensed; some people even became undecided as they did not want to offend me or the aspirant.
Interest on our union was renewed; almost everyone including the management staff became interested in the election. At that point, I was satisfied to a very large extent, because, before then, majority of our union members had lost interest in the union activities. I told the people that even if I did not win the election, that I had achieved a lot because my indication of interest as the chairperson has made a lot of people to be more closer to the union. But I had to push further because I know that our Union needed to be rescued urgently.
However, I had a lot of oppositions; the opposition came mainly through the major supporters of the other aspirant. They made a lot of effort to get me out of the game, but it did not work.
During the campaign period, someone actually wrote a faceless petition against me, claiming that because my union dues deductions went to another union at some point, that I should be disqualified. This situation came up in the office at the wake of the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the union dues of many of my colleagues were not sent to the NUJ. It was a general challenge, so, I wondered why I should be singled out, but then, I realised that politics was playing out.
Also, another angle of the petition said that I was not a journalist as I did not receive any training from any institution, having studied Industrial Chemistry in the university. Unfortunately for my detractors, I showed my results of training from the FRCN Broadcast Academy, Lagos, were I came out with distinction.
After that, many other things played out…
Some brought up issues of ethnicity, that I am from the East, and that the out- going chairman is from the same region; some brought up the issue of gender, that how can a woman lead? And many others!
But in all these things, I prayed and told God that he should allow me to win since I have the best interest of our Union at heart. I told members that my ambition has nothing to do with ethnicity or gender, but that our union needed an urgent and drastic change, and I remained the best option.
At some point, moles were even planted in my campaign team, but we still came out victorious.
You studied Chemistry in the university, but you are today a practising journalist. Tell us about your educational background and at what point did you decide to switch profession?
I went to TTC Primary School, Uwani Enugu, for my primary education, then proceeded to One Girls Secondary School, Nkanu-West LGA, Enugu, for my junior secondary school. Afterwards I completed my secondary education at Urban Girls Secondary School, New-Layout Enugu. I started my higher institution at the Abia State University, Uturu, where I obtained a B.Sc Industrial Chemistry, and a couple of years ago I enrolled at the National Open University of Nigeria for a Post Graduate study in Information Technology.
Yes, I studied Chemistry, and actually, I won’t say that I am not practising chemistry because, though I am not in the laboratory, everything about life has chemistry in it. Studying Chemistry and being a science student gave me the analytical mind that has pulled me through in every area. I have also covered science-related events as a journalist and I apply some of the things I learnt in the university. I also apply the knowledge of chemistry in the studio while packaging my reports, at home while cooking and also being a farmer, the knowledge of chemistry cannot be avoided because it’s in every aspect of our lives. Let me also inform you that the chief executive of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, our director-general, Mr. Mansur Liman, is a chemist.
And how I switched to journalism…
We are in Nigeria and the very first job I got is this: Journalism. So, I joined, and it was not difficult to fit in because of that analytical mind, and a wide knowledge of computer. Today, I am an editor/controller in the FRCN.
How long did you nurse the ambition of becoming the NUJ-FRCN chapel chairperson and what was the inspiration?
I had always wanted to contribute to the union at the executive level. Years ago, I wanted to vie for the position of secretary, but I did not receive a lot of support then. I was serving as the financial secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT; so, some people felt I should not have that opportunity and I opted out after weighing my chances. But this time around, I realised that our union needed someone like me, someone with the zeal, the determination, and the commitment. So, the inspiration was to bring our union to an enviable level.
What exactly is the job of the chairperson of the FRCN NUJ chapter and how have you been coping with that?
Just like at the national and state levels of the union, the job of the chairperson is to supervise activities of the union at the chapel level…preside during congresses, but above all, to ensure the general welfare of members at all times.
And, despite the lockdown brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we doing great, during this period, protective materials were provided for our members, and we are moving forward.
Have you held any position of leadership previously, and how tasking is this position?
Yes, I said it earlier, I served twice as the financial secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT, and well, all leadership positions are tasking, but being at the helm of affairs, as I am now, seems more tasking as all eyes are on you, including those praying and working for your downfall.
What leadership skills have you brought to the table and what exactly do you want to achieve as the chairperson?
I brought team work and tolerance, without these two, any leader may not make it. And I want to see the NUJ FRCN headquarters chapel leading in all spheres; I want to ensure that my members enjoy the welfare they desire to the maximum. I want to leave an enduring legacy, I want a situation where through my performance, anyone with the necessary capability can contest any position in the union irrespective of ethnicity or gender. I want to be remembered by my achievements, by the positive changes I brought to bear in the union.
What are your challenges as a woman occupying this position?
Of course, many people look down on you as a woman, thinking that you are weak and lack the will power, but it’s not true. I have proved many people wrong already; they see that I am strong, that I have the zeal, all it takes to get the job done.
How would you describe the journalism profession in Nigeria, many say it is not suitable for women?
Well, the profession may be very tasking and demanding, but I find it exciting and interesting. I actually enjoy my job. In fact, I fit into the profession very well. That is not to say that there are no challenges; no, there are lots of challenges especially as a married woman. You have to combine the job with managing your home effectively or one of them may suffer.
Women are doing well on the job, and like NAWOJ advocates gender mainstreaming, particularly in media houses, we need more women at every level. Women are better managers as they manage their homes effectively and efficiently.
However, women must be professional. If you are good at what you do, it will be obvious and you will be sought after for newsroom leadership.
On a lighter note, tell us about your growing up and childhood dreams
Waoooo! My growing up and childhood dreams:
I am from a very humble background; my parents struggled to train my siblings and I. It was not very easy; most times one would wake up as early as 3:00am to start preparing for my mum’s restaurant business then. We did a lot of tough jobs, pounding yam and fufu… before going to school.
With these in mind, I have always wanted to work hard and help uplift my family. I wanted to also contribute meaningfully to my community and society at large and I am grateful to God that it’s happening.
What is your take on the outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria especially as it concerns the media profession?
Nothing comes to journalists as a shock; fortunately, our job is to report events as they happen. So, as soon as the news of Covid-19 broke, it was widely reported. Information about its origin, spread, transmission, investigations about possible vaccine and cure were all reported. Those infected and deaths are still being reported. During these times, many journalists contracted the disease, some even lost their lives. That is why it’s important that the welfare of this category of Nigerians should be taken very seriously.
What impact would you say Covid-19 has had on career women like you and women in general?
The impact is general; it’s on everyone, every society and nation. Most things were, and are still, grounded. Before the pandemic, people had plans and programmes on how to deliver on various mandates, but most of these plans could not be achieved. However, the pandemic also created another opportunity to reach out to members, by providing protective materials, etc. My plans and programmes are still intact, and by God’s grace, they will be achieved.
What is your position on the increase in rape and other forms of gender-based violence today?
I joined my other colleagues at the FCT NAWOJ to embark on sensitisation against rape some weeks back. Unfortunately, most people we interacted with, especially men had formed the option that women and girls are responsible for being raped. What is their reason? Indecent dressing! That is unfortunate; indecent dressing is not advisable, but that should not be an excuse for rape. What about minors and even the rape of male children? Is it because of indecent dressing? Haba, let’s call a spade by its name, rape is rape and it’s terrible. The best way to address it is by applying stiffer laws and measures…if one person is sentenced to death for rape, others will avoid engaging in it.
What survival tips or advice would you give fellow women and Nigerians in general?
I would advise my fellow women to always make adequate plan for everything. They should plan ahead, consult with those that know more than them and also pray hard. In this period of Covid-19, I urge everyone to obey all guidelines and instructions regarding Covid-19 safety protocol, protect yourselves, engage in productive ventures and put all your trust in God.
