Congress, Conversations & Commendations: NUJ Anambra Blends Advocacy, Politics, and Progress

The October 2025 Congress of the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, Awka, was anything but routine. The gathering, which typically revolves around union business, evolved into a multifaceted event that blended intellectual discourse, political engagement, and celebration of journalistic excellence.

A major highlight was the lecture delivered by Dr. Nkala Davidson Azubuike, Head of Mass Communication and Director of General Studies at Paul University, Awka. Titled “Beyond the Paycheck: Finding Meaning in Retirement Through Self-Improvement and Entrepreneurship,” the lecture addressed the often-overlooked reality of life after active journalism.

Dr. Nkala emphasized the need for journalists to proactively prepare for retirement, especially in light of the difficult working conditions many face—particularly in Anambra. He cited challenges such as poor remuneration, limited access to service infrastructure in rural areas, and economic instability that hinders future planning.

His proposed solutions were practical and empowering: skill acquisition, academic advancement through higher degrees, and entrepreneurial ventures to elevate professional status and improve bargaining power with future employers or clients.

In a compelling presentation, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, outlined the agency’s achievements under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Agbata reaffirmed the agency’s mandate to digitize government processes and ensure that technology impacts every corner of the state.

He shared insights from their initial “Baseline Study,” which revealed gaps in hardware distribution and connectivity. According to him, the removal of the “Right of Way” (ROW) charges was a game-changer, enabling the expansion of 5G infrastructure and fostering an environment ripe for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

“Our core values—innovation, collaboration, data-driven decisions, solution-focused execution, and community orientation—guide everything we do,” Agbata stated, adding that while AI is trending now, it has been around for over two decades, and Anambra is catching up fast.

Chief Primus Ugochukwu Odili, popularly known as Okosisi Aguleri and founder of the Okosisi Political Support Group for Soludo, addressed journalists with a passionate appeal to support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He urged the press to be mindful of the narratives they push, noting the media’s power to shape public perception.

Odili traced APGA’s transformative journey in Anambra, beginning with Governor Peter Obi’s foundational work under the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), continued by Governor Willie Obiano, and now advanced by Governor Soludo. He argued that governance should be a continuous process and that APGA deserves to be re-elected to sustain the progress.

In a compelling presentation, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, outlined the agency’s achievements under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Agbata reaffirmed the agency’s mandate to digitize government processes and ensure that technology impacts every corner of the state.

He shared insights from their initial “Baseline Study,” which revealed gaps in hardware distribution and connectivity. According to him, the removal of the “Right of Way” (ROW) charges was a game-changer, enabling the expansion of 5G infrastructure and fostering an environment ripe for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

“Our core values—innovation, collaboration, data-driven decisions, solution-focused execution, and community orientation—guide everything we do,” Agbata stated, adding that while AI is trending now, it has been around for over two decades, and Anambra is catching up fast.

Chief Primus Ugochukwu Odili, popularly known as Okosisi Aguleri and founder of the Okosisi Political Support Group for Soludo, addressed journalists with a passionate appeal to support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He urged the press to be mindful of the narratives they push, noting the media’s power to shape public perception.

Odili traced APGA’s transformative journey in Anambra, beginning with Governor Peter Obi’s foundational work under the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), continued by Governor Willie Obiano, and now advanced by Governor Soludo. He argued that governance should be a continuous process and that APGA deserves to be re-elected to sustain the progress.

He shared insights from their initial “Baseline Study,” which revealed gaps in hardware distribution and connectivity. According to him, the removal of the “Right of Way” (ROW) charges was a game-changer, enabling the expansion of 5G infrastructure and fostering an environment ripe for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

“Our core values—innovation, collaboration, data-driven decisions, solution-focused execution, and community orientation—guide everything we do,” Agbata stated, adding that while AI is trending now, it has been around for over two decades, and Anambra is catching up fast.

Chief Primus Ugochukwu Odili, popularly known as Okosisi Aguleri and founder of the Okosisi Political Support Group for Soludo, addressed journalists with a passionate appeal to support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He urged the press to be mindful of the narratives they push, noting the media’s power to shape public perception.

Odili traced APGA’s transformative journey in Anambra, beginning with Governor Peter Obi’s foundational work under the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), continued by Governor Willie Obiano, and now advanced by Governor Soludo. He argued that governance should be a continuous process and that APGA deserves to be re-elected to sustain the progress.

The congress also celebrated the sporting prowess of the NUJ Anambra State Council football team, which emerged victorious during the 2025 Press Week/Man of the Year football contest. A cash prize was presented by the union’s chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, who commended the team for bringing pride to the union.

Dr. Odogwu also expressed gratitude to all speakers for their time and the invaluable insights shared, especially those that touched on the evolving role of journalists in society.

The October congress was a blend of reflection, recognition, and rallying calls—reminding journalists not only of their power but also of their responsibility to prepare for the future, embrace innovation, and uphold the truth in service to the public.