Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has honoured five prominent citizens for their varying contributions to the advancement of the society.
Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo was given the awards of the most supportive governor’s wife and voice for the voiceless in South-East; while a philanthropist, Dr Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, emerged as the 2024 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year.
Others honoured at the event were traditional ruler of Alor Kingdom, HRH Igwe Chinedu Macanthony Okonkwo, who earned the NUJ Anambra Philanthropist of the Decade, and Mr Oliver Okenna – Anambra most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year.
The awards were given during the grand finale of the NUJ Anambra 2024 Press Week that was held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat, Awka, the state capital.
The press week of the NUJ is an annual event that brings together media professionals, stakeholders, and the community to promote media freedom, ethical journalism, and national development.
The 2024 grand finale was chaired by renowned communications teacher, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, who is National NUJ Icon and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University Awka. The 2024 press week programme had kicked off on October 26, 2024, and culminated in the colourful award ceremony, wherein the deserving individuals were honoured with the prestigious awards.
Addressing the gathering, the highly celebrated Prof Okunna, urged the awardees not to take their recognition for granted as the awards exemplified excellence and merit.
“The awards recognised exceptional achievements and contributions to the state’s development. Our selection process was rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals were chosen.
“The NUJ awards are a testament to our commitment to recognising excellence. These honours are bestowed solely on merit, reflecting our dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism and community service,” she said.
Delivering a keynote on the event theme, “The Media, And Trajectories For Anambra State’s Future In A Dwindling Economy,” Dr Monday Ashibogwu charged journalists in Anambra to commit themselves to continuous learning to contribute significantly to the state’s economic recovery and stability.
He called on Journalists to leverage their platforms to inform, engage and empower citizens while holding leaders accountable for their actions. He also urged them to highlight opportunities for growth and innovation, as well as be instrumental in transforming Anambra State into a thriving hall of entrepreneurship, development and economic advancement.
In a remark, state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, called for improved synergy between the state government and the journalists, noting that such collaboration would drive development of the state.
“NUJ should be given their dues and assistance. The media is a vital tool for dissemination of information. My appeal is to the governor because there is no way the activities and programmes of the state will be disseminated without carrying the NUJ along,” Nwafor said.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, pleaded with the Union members to continue with their partnership with the Anambra State Government ensuring that they report the governor fairly.
“The governor’s achievements were previously reported. We are not asking for Soludo’s achievements to be exaggerated but to report what he has done.”
He commended the union for changing the narrative and to continue in that trajectory.
Mefor further urged citizens to exercise patience with the government on insecurity, reassuring that the state government has set up measures to arrest insecurity for a peaceful yuletide and continued safe existence in the state.
Congratulating the awardees, Anambra NUJ Chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, reminded that NUJ remains the moral barometer and conscience of the society. He said everything the union does is pro-society and pledged to continue to collaborate and synergise to make the state and the country better.
