Anambra NUJ Election: Why we must avoid a shot in the dark

… as Dr. Odogwu woos journalists with overseas training, others if elected.

…with Comrade Obileri as team player

There’s no gainsaying the fact that the candidate to beat in the forthcoming Anambra NUJ election is Comrade Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, JP who in all considerations, is the most qualified for the job of taking the union to deserved heights in probity, accountability, inclusivity and effective representation.

Dr. Odogwu, a journalism practitioner and lecturer with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, after his training in journalism at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, has continued to attract feathers to his cap through responsible practice that comforts the afflicted and acts as checks and ballances against institutions of government, of course with concomitant travails; which in turn prepared him for more works and leadership position in NUJ.

In his recent visit to Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Chapel of the NUJ, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Ejike Abana, who spoke through the Secretary, Comrade Chukwuemeka Modilim, minced no words in reminding Anambra journalists of the need to consider collective interest above other considerations, including religious, and vote for positive change in the union’s forthcoming election, saying that it is for the good of all. But Comrade Abana’s assertion was not without his declaring that Dr Odogwu is a seasoned journalist and a teacher; who has continued to mentor many in the field of journalism and beyond.

Beyond litany of awards that followed years of practice in Nigeria media environment adjugded hostile, Dr. Odogwu, even outside corridors of power, was so magnanimous in attracting a building as secretariat for the State Council of NUJ. No wonder many call him a goal getter?

And with Professor Chukwuma Soludo as Anambra Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ibezim as Deputy Governor, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu presents the cynosure of Anambra journalists in the forthcoming NUJ election. That’s Anambra to the world.

Now, considering the urgent needs of members of the Anambra State Council of NUJ, Dr. Odogwu has promised to revive the Council, and went further to state that he will resign if he does not bring needed change in the State Council of the Union within one year of his tenure. That’s interesting.

But more interesting to many still climbing the ladder is the local and overseas training and retraining programmes Dr. Odogwu has promised journalists in the State in order to further improve professionalism among members. Wow! And those close to Dr. Odogwu have further strengthened the belief that with his magnanimity, contacts and exposure, all promises made are kept.

For Obinna Odogwu, Anambra State Correspondent of The Sun newspapers, “Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD is the best man for the job.” He went further to remind colleagues that heading the Anambra State Council of the NUJ is not just about the title and all appellations attached to it, but requires a whole lot, adding that to effectively lead the NUJ, one must have contacts and reach that can be effectively converted and utilized for the good of the members, in addition to being matured, experienced, emotionally intelligent, above pettiness, selfless, able and capable, as well as faithful to his duties. And in Comrade Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, above qualities abound.

Let’s vote Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu for action-packed leadership and avoid a shot in the dark in the forthcoming Anambra NUJ election.

Let’s also vote Comrade Ngozi Obileri to assist Comrade Dr. Odogwu in giving Anambra NUJ members effective representation.

Joseph Egbeocha

ABS Chapel, NUJ, Anambra State Council