COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) ANAMBRA STATE COUNCIL CONGRESS HELD ON THURSDAY, 4TH DECEMBER, 2025 AT THE GODWIN EZEEMO INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, NUJ SECRETARIAT COMPLEX, AWKA

The Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, held on Thursday, 4th December, 2025, at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka, was presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD.

Congress commended the impressive turnout of members at the December Congress despite the on-going training programme involving some journalists. Members were advised to use the festive period for introspection and to conduct themselves responsibly, especially during the ember months.

Congress urged members of the Union and the general public to be security-conscious in their daily activities, particularly in view of the increasing security challenges across the state.

The Congress further called on Anambrarians to guard against actions that could result in fire outbreaks capable of endangering lives and property, particularly during the dry season.

Congress urged the Anambra State Government to pay closer attention to the welfare of persons living with disabilities and appealed for regular training and retraining programmes that will empower them to compete favourably with their counterparts in other states.

As a matter of urgent public importance, Congress drew the attention of the government to the deteriorating security situation in the state, citing alleged criminal and kidnapping activities in Awka and its environs, as well as pockets of kidnappings, armed robbery and arson recorded in parts of Anambra State, including Nawfia and Lilu communities.

Congress commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Anambra State Governorship Election held on 8th November, 2025. However, it expressed strong dismay over what it described as massive and widespread vote-buying across the 326 wards, where political parties openly induced voters with cash and material gifts without restraint from the relevant authorities.

Congress advised commercial vehicle drivers to avoid over-speeding, which endangers the lives of commuters, and urged them to shun the excessive consumption of alcohol, especially during the Yuletide.

Congress also enjoined the general public to exercise heightened safety consciousness during the harmattan season in order to reduce incidents of fire outbreaks associated with the dry season.

On road safety, Congress observed that the reckless activities of articulated and heavy-duty vehicle drivers have contributed significantly to accidents on highways. It therefore suggested that the state and federal governments consider policies that would regulate their movement, including restricting their operations to night hours where feasible.

Congress highlighted the persistent complaints by staff and retirees of the defunct Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation (publishers of National Light Newspaper) over unpaid six-year leave allowances and urged the Anambra State Government to urgently address the plight of the affected retirees.

Congress urged members to continue the “See Something, Say Something” campaign by exposing individuals involved in criminal and other heinous activities in society, in line with the ongoing campaign against gender-based violence.

Congress condemned in strong terms the arson attack on an Anglican Church in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.

Finally, Congress encouraged Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to consider employing journalists and re-establishing a state-owned newspaper, preferably in a digital format, noting that a state like Anambra should not be without its own official newspaper.

COMMUNIQUÉ DRAFTING COMMITTEE

Comrade Uche Kalu — Chairman (State Information Chapel)

Sir Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu — Secretary (Chairman, Fides Chapel)

Comrade Chizoba Njaka — Member (State Information Chapel)

E-SIGNED:

Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, PhD
Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Anambra State Council

Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, JP
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Anambra State Council

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