NUJ Anambra 35th Anniversary: National President Yahya, Soludo, Dignitaries Set for Grand Finale
By Oguocha Chukwuebuka
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has concluded arrangements for the grand finale of its 35th Anniversary celebration and 2026 Man of the Year Awards, with the National President of the union, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, and other prominent dignitaries expected in Awka.
The celebration, which enters its final phase on Wednesday, September 9, will feature a social evening expected to attract NUJ national and zonal executives, labour leaders and other stakeholders.
The grand finale will take place on Thursday, September 10, at Annabelle Event Centre, Awka, featuring a keynote address, presentation of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards, the Coral Anniversary celebration, the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism, as well as other ceremonial activities.
A meeting of the NUJ Zonal Executive Council is also scheduled to take place later in the day.
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Amichi, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, is billed to deliver the keynote address, while former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Victor Agusiobo, will serve as guest speaker. Comrade Churchill Okonkwo will chair the occasion.
The event is expected to draw the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice O. M. Anyachebelu; commissioners, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, among other dignitaries.
More than 1,000 journalists are also expected to participate in the anniversary celebration.
NUJ Announces Distinguished Award Recipients
The union has also unveiled a list of personalities selected for various awards in recognition of their contributions to business, public service, philanthropy, community development and professional excellence.
High Chief Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike Umudioka) will receive the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award, in recognition of his contributions to business, construction and the oil and gas sector.
A new category, the Lifetime Man of the Year Award, will be presented to Professor Charles Ofoegbu for his outstanding contributions spanning 35 years.
Other awardees include Hon. Obby Nwankwo, for Outstanding Public Service; Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade; Chief Romanus Chika, Most Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year; Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike, Outstanding Humanitarian of the Year; Engr. Raphael Ezeike, Outstanding Community Development Icon; and Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim, Outstanding Medical Professional Service.
Within the journalism profession, Mr. Victor Agusiobo, Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye and Chukwudi Chukwuenyem will be honoured for exemplary professional and leadership contributions.
Okunna Journalism Award Prize Money Increased
A major highlight of the celebration will be the unveiling of the winner of the 2026 Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism.
The NUJ Anambra State Council has increased the prize money from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000, in a move aimed at further encouraging ethical standards, professionalism and excellence in journalism.
With the anniversary activities drawing to a close, the grand finale is expected to bring together journalists, public officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, civil society actors and other stakeholders to celebrate 35 years of journalism, service and professional development in Anambra State.
