Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has been conferred with award of the most peaceful state in the South-East by the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council.
The award was part of activities of the Correspondents’ chapel 2022 Press Week/Annual Lecture which has the theme: “The New Electoral Act and the Media.”
The Chairman of the chapel, Mr Lawrence Njoku, in his opening remarks, said the award was in recognition of the governor’s handling of peace and security in the state, despite threats of insecurity across the region.
“We are honouring the governor for “making Enugu State the most peaceful and secure in the South-East region of Nigeria,” he said.
Njoku said that, Ugwuanyi had stood above other governors in the region by ensuring that peace and security reigns throughout the state.
“Without peace and security there cannot be any meaningful development, thus Ugwuanyi has done extremely well in this regard and this is the only way we can tell him thank you,” he said.
In his response, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was personally present at the event, said God has been in control of the state since his ascendancy.
“Since my assumption of office in 2015, I handed over Enugu State in the hands of God and God has been guiding us.
“I dedicate this award to God Almighty and to the people of Enugu State, who have been praying day and night for peace to reign,” he said.
The governor commended the chapel for their objective reporting of happenings in Enugu State.
He urged them to continue to play their noble role as the Watchdog of the society.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Edith Nwosu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, said the media has a critical role to play in the 2023 election.
She commended the organizers for the theme, saying that, the media is crucial to the success or failure of the 2023 election.
“The media has a critical role to play in 2023 election, especially in educating the electorate on the new electoral Act.
“It is expected of Journalists to report what you see and verified information.
You must desist from sensational reporting at this time of the electioneering,” she said.
She warned Journalists to shun fake news and falsehood in order not to mar the 2023 general election.
