2024 NUJ PATRONS AND VETERANS DAY: A MILESTONE IN CELEBRATING “TRUE HEROISM”.

By David Okpokwasili, Awka.

Heroes have been described by historians in different terms and with very many flowery words. Most of these descriptions, however, neglect that what many may term “simple actions” have, in reality, caused generational changes. In real terms, therefore, heroes do not have to appear in spectacular capes. The actions they took, the foundations they laid, the resilience they upheld in difficult times, and the sacrifices they made tell them in history. Regrettably, some of these heroes go unrecognized.

Journalists, reputed as watchdogs and moral consciemce of the society and soldiers of the pen most times find themselves in this category of “unsung heroes”. They are usually left in the gabbage of memories as heroes who do not deserve a seat at the table. Mostly unassuming, without titles, left on the lowest rungs of renumeration in the labour market, and without any high recognitions by society, it seems the society forgot so soon that they also give their all for the betterment of the society in the past, in the present and for the future.

That is why it is expdient that even if the society forgets to recognize and honour their efforts, they should not forget to honour themselves. Even so, an Igbo adage says “Ngwere sịrị n’elu daa, legharia anya, kwe n’isi, sị n’ọbụrụ na mmadụ etoghị ya, ya etoo onwe ya”.

It was on this note that the Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu-led State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, saw it as a need to celebrate Veteran Journalists in Anambra State and give them recognitions that is due their sacrifice. Dr Odogwu since his emergence as the Chairman of the Union has shown uncanny innovation in transforming the face of the union and in strategically placing the union as a primus inter pares among its contemporaries. He has come up with stellar initiatives that not only uplift members of the union but fulfills it’s constitutional responsibility to society.

The 2024 NUJ Patrons and Veterans Day and Accountability Conference is one of such programmes designed to honour excellence and show the right path to the next generation. It will be a milestone in celebrating true heroism. Like the name implies, it will celebrate the hardwork of veterans in the profession while recognizing social transformations initiated by some of its friends who will be inducted as patrons during the event. It will also bring the old patrons of the union under one roof as they share their experiences in moving the union and the society forward.

As an accountability conference, different Chief Executives of Federal and state government ministries, departments and agencies will be on ground to give a scorecard of their performance in office while fielding questions from probably the biggest convocation of Journalists on the same venue.

Scheduled for Thursday August 1, 2024 at the Godwin Ezemo International Press Centre, Awka by 9am, the tripartite event will be chaired by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Solution Smart Estate Limited, Chief Emeka Onwudinjo while a renowned professor of Art History, Clifford Nwanna of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka will deliver the Keynote address. His Royal Highness, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, MON, the traditional ruler of Omor Ancient Kingdom in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State will be the Royal Father of the Day.

According to the planning committee headed by Comrade Ukpa Ewa, a long-list of well chosen guests will be in attendance at the event. They include the Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata; the Chairman, Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, Barr. Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka and the Transition Committee Chairman, Njikoka Local Government Area, Barr. Chinedu Ononiba.

Others include the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Anambra State Command, Mr Daniel Onyishi and the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSDC, Mr Olatunde Maku.

The National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR, will serve as Chief Host. Chief Benjamin Ikwunneabunike Nworji (Akunne Amanuke); Hon. Kingsley Chukwudozie Uyammadu (Otosi Achalla); Chief Aloysius Tabansi (Ochiudo Urum) ; and Chief Mrs Ngozi Obikweku (Iyom Ugochimelueze Nri) will be installed as patrons and patroness of the union.

Truly, the 2024 NUJ Patrons and Veterans Day and Accountability Conference with the theme, “Leadership Accountability and Economic Growth: The Crucial Role of The Media” will be a milestone in retelling narratives; a model and legacy in celebrating excellence and an ancient landmark for reference.

Come and be part of this date in history!