New Era For Crime Reporters As Festus Fifen Emerges CCAN Chairman, Promises Welfare, Professional Respect
For journalists covering Nigeria’s crime and security beats, the work often comes with long hours, personal risks and intense pressure.
Now, the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) says it is turning a new page aimed at improving the welfare and professional dignity of its members.
Festus Fifen of BEN Television has been elected Chairman of the association following the conclusion of its election held on 5 March 2026 in Abuja.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Fifen described the moment as the beginning of a new chapter for CCAN, pledging that his administration would prioritise the welfare of members while strengthening the professional standing of crime correspondents across the country.
He also commended the immediate past executive led by Sam Ogbeifun for their contributions to the association, noting that leadership requires sacrifice, patience and commitment.
Fifen described CCAN as more than a professional body, but a family formed through years of shared experiences covering Nigeria’s crime and security landscape.
According to him, the new leadership will focus on two major priorities, members’ welfare and the protection of journalists’ professional dignity.
He explained that welfare goes beyond financial support to include psychological, emotional, spiritual and professional well-being, stressing that an association becomes stronger when its members are adequately supported.
The new chairman also vowed to ensure that crime correspondents receive the respect and recognition they deserve from institutions and stakeholders within the security sector, while urging journalists to conduct themselves professionally to command respect.
Fifen called on members to support the new executive with advice, constructive criticism and cooperation, noting that no leadership succeeds without collective support.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Jonas Ezeke, confirmed that the election into the seven executive positions was conducted successfully and transparently.
Ezeke commended members for their cooperation and expressed confidence that the new leadership would address the challenges facing crime correspondents and strengthen the association.
Other newly elected executives include Oluwakemi Kindness of Democracy Radio as Vice Chairman, Peter Ireh of Radio Nigeria as General Secretary, and Vincess Okushi as Assistant Secretary.
Also elected are Latifa Aremu of Galaxy Television as Treasurer, Gbenga Omokhunu of The Nation Newspaper as Financial Secretary, and Ejike Ejike of Leadership Newspaper as Welfare Secretary.
Members of the association expressed optimism that the new leadership would usher in reforms that promote unity, professionalism and improved welfare for journalists covering Nigeria’s security sector.
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