Anambra NUJ Celebrates 35 Years of Journalism With Awards, Football Match & Free Medical Care
By Felix Oti Awka
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, in conjunction with the State Executive Council, on Thursday kicked off its 2026 NUJ Press Week and Coral Anniversary celebrations.
This was disclosed during a press briefing led by the Chairman of the NUJ Press Week/35th Anniversary Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francks Emeka
According to Ekpone, journalists in Anambra State have for the past 35 years remained committed to holding institutions accountable, providing credible information, educating the public and contributing to societal development.
“The Coral Anniversary is a celebration of 35 years of history, resilience, service and professional achievements. It provides an opportunity to honour the past, evaluate the present and renew the Union’s commitment to the future of journalism and society,”_ he said.
2026 ANNIVERSARY THEME
The theme for the 2026 celebration is:
NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”
Ekpone described the theme as apt, noting that it captures the enduring values of journalism and the need for truth, professionalism, responsibility and service.
The anniversary will also be used to recognise past leaders, colleagues and stakeholders whose sacrifices helped build the NUJ in Anambra State.
PROPOSED EVENTS FOR 2026 PRESS WEEK & AWARDS
Thursday, Sept 3, 2026 Press Briefing and September Congress. Features food, drinking, dancing and old-school competitions.
Friday, Sept 4, 2026 Humanitarian visits to correctional centres, children’s homes, homes for the destitute and old people’s homes.
Monday, Sept 7, 2026: Indoor games – Ludo, Chess, Draft, Whot, Skipping.
3:00pm: Novelty football match between NUJ and FRSC at Paul University Field, Awka.
Tuesday, Sept 8, 2026: Facility visit to the business premises of Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd and NDC Senatorial Candidate, Anambra South.
Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026: Free medical care for NUJ members and Social Evening with NUJ National/Zonal Officers and Labour Leaders. NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya is expected.
Thursday, Sept 10, 2026 – GRAND FINALE*: 10:00am at Annabelle Event Centre, Awka.
Features Keynote Address, 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards, Coral Anniversary Celebration, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism, and ZEC Meeting by 6:00pm.
Chairman: Comrade Churchill Okonkwo, PhD
Keynote Speaker: Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, JP, Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese
Guest Speaker, Mr. Victor Agusiobo, Former Vice Chairman, Nigeria Guild of Editors
Saturday, Sept 26, 2026: Rural Outreach Programme
Sunday, Sept 27, 2026 Thanksgiving Service
EXPECTED GUESTS
Expected dignitaries include Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim*, Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Chief Judge Hon. Justice O.M. Anyachebelu, Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor, NUJ National President Comrade Hassan Yahya, traditional rulers, Mayors, PGs and over 1,000 NUJ members.
MAN OF THE YEAR AND OTHER AWARDEES
The 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year is High Chief Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike Umudioka), a renowned businessman in construction and oil & gas. He takes over from Arch. Okey Ezeobi, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
Other awardees include:
Lifetime Man of the Year Prof. Charles Ofoegbu– for 35 years of distinguished service
Outstanding Public Service Award: Hon. Obby Nwankwo (Okwuego)
Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, MD/CEO Bunvy Agency Ltd
Most Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Chief Romanus Chika (Juju Ugbenu)
Outstanding Humanitarian of the Year Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike (Aridon), Regent, Umunze Traditional Council
Outstanding Community Development Icon: Engr. Raphael Ezeike, MD/CEO Poly Concepts & Consultancy Ltd
Outstanding Medical Professional Service Award Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim, CEO Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka
Long-Term Outstanding Professional/Leadership Service Comrade Victor Agusiobo
Outstanding Professional Service: Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye and *Chukwudi Chukwuenyem
PROF. CHINYERE STELLA OKUNNA AWARD FOR ETHICAL JOURNALISM
The prize money for the award has been increased from N150,000 to N500,000* by the benefactor, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna. The winner will be announced at the Grand Finale.
APPRECIATION
The Committee appreciated Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Chairman NUJ Anambra State Council, and all SEC members for their support.
“We enjoin all members to join hands to ensure this year’s Press Week becomes a memorable celebration of 35 years of journalism practice, service and professional excellence in Anambra State,”_ Ekpone concluded.
END
High Chief Martin Nwabueze Emerges NUJ Anambra 2026 Man of the Year
By Felix Oti Awka
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, in conjunction with the State Executive Council, on Thursday kicked off its 2026 NUJ Press Week and Coral Anniversary celebrations.
This was disclosed during a press briefing led by the Chairman of the NUJ Press Week/35th Anniversary Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francks Emeka
According to Ekpone, journalists in Anambra State have for the past 35 years remained committed to holding institutions accountable, providing credible information, educating the public and contributing to societal development.
“The Coral Anniversary is a celebration of 35 years of history, resilience, service and professional achievements. It provides an opportunity to honour the past, evaluate the present and renew the Union’s commitment to the future of journalism and society,”_ he said.
2026 ANNIVERSARY THEME
The theme for the 2026 celebration is:
NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”
Ekpone described the theme as apt, noting that it captures the enduring values of journalism and the need for truth, professionalism, responsibility and service.
The anniversary will also be used to recognise past leaders, colleagues and stakeholders whose sacrifices helped build the NUJ in Anambra State.
PROPOSED EVENTS FOR 2026 PRESS WEEK & AWARDS
Thursday, Sept 3, 2026 Press Briefing and September Congress. Features food, drinking, dancing and old-school competitions.
Friday, Sept 4, 2026 Humanitarian visits to correctional centres, children’s homes, homes for the destitute and old people’s homes.
Monday, Sept 7, 2026: Indoor games – Ludo, Chess, Draft, Whot, Skipping.
3:00pm: Novelty football match between NUJ and FRSC at Paul University Field, Awka.
Tuesday, Sept 8, 2026: Facility visit to the business premises of Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd and NDC Senatorial Candidate, Anambra South.
Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026: Free medical care for NUJ members and Social Evening with NUJ National/Zonal Officers and Labour Leaders. NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya is expected.
Thursday, Sept 10, 2026 – GRAND FINALE*: 10:00am at Annabelle Event Centre, Awka.
Features Keynote Address, 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards, Coral Anniversary Celebration, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism, and ZEC Meeting by 6:00pm.
Chairman: Comrade Churchill Okonkwo, PhD
Keynote Speaker: Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, JP, Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese
Guest Speaker, Mr. Victor Agusiobo, Former Vice Chairman, Nigeria Guild of Editors
Saturday, Sept 26, 2026: Rural Outreach Programme
Sunday, Sept 27, 2026 Thanksgiving Service
EXPECTED GUESTS
Expected dignitaries include Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim*, Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Chief Judge Hon. Justice O.M. Anyachebelu, Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor, NUJ National President Comrade Hassan Yahya, traditional rulers, Mayors, PGs and over 1,000 NUJ members.
MAN OF THE YEAR AND OTHER AWARDEES
The 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year is High Chief Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike Umudioka), a renowned businessman in construction and oil & gas. He takes over from Arch. Okey Ezeobi, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
Other awardees include:
Lifetime Man of the Year Prof. Charles Ofoegbu– for 35 years of distinguished service
Outstanding Public Service Award: Hon. Obby Nwankwo (Okwuego)
Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, MD/CEO Bunvy Agency Ltd
Most Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Chief Romanus Chika (Juju Ugbenu)
Outstanding Humanitarian of the Year Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike (Aridon), Regent, Umunze Traditional Council
Outstanding Community Development Icon: Engr. Raphael Ezeike, MD/CEO Poly Concepts & Consultancy Ltd
Outstanding Medical Professional Service Award Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim, CEO Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka
Long-Term Outstanding Professional/Leadership Service Comrade Victor Agusiobo
Outstanding Professional Service: Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye and *Chukwudi Chukwuenyem
PROF. CHINYERE STELLA OKUNNA AWARD FOR ETHICAL JOURNALISM
The prize money for the award has been increased from N150,000 to N500,000* by the benefactor, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna. The winner will be announced at the Grand Finale.
APPRECIATION
The Committee appreciated Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Chairman NUJ Anambra State Council, and all SEC members for their support.
“We enjoin all members to join hands to ensure this year’s Press Week becomes a memorable celebration of 35 years of journalism practice, service and professional excellence in Anambra State,”_ Ekpone concluded.
END
