NUJ Anambra Concludes 2024 Press Week with Grand Celebrations
By Oguocha Chukwuebuka
On November 7th, 2024, the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center in Awka was abuzz with excitement as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, concluded its 2024 Press Week and Man of the Year Awards in grand style.
The week-long event, themed “The Media and Trajectories for Anambra State’s Future in a Dwindling Economy,” featured a variety of activities including soccer, indoor games like ludo and whot, and a writing contest.
The event attracted dignitaries from various fields, including Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, the first female professor of mass communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, and NUJ Matriarch, HRH Igwe Alex Onyido, the traditional ruler of Ogidi kingdom, and HRM Igwe Dr. Chinedu Elibe, Okonkwo, the traditional ruler of Alor kingdom, among others.
In his keynote address, Dr. Monday Ashibogu, CEO of Billsbox Services Limited, emphasized the crucial role of journalists as trusted sources of information. He urged them to leverage their platforms to inform, engage, and empower citizens while holding leaders accountable. Dr. Ashibogu, a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), highlighted the media’s potential to transform Anambra State into a thriving hub of entrepreneurship and development despite economic challenges.
Representing Governor Charles Soludo, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, assured attendees of the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state. He announced the appointment of a Special Adviser on Community Security as part of these efforts and urged citizens to remain patient and cooperative.
The event’s major highlights included the presentation of prestigious awards to individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields:
- Man of the Year Award: Dr. Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, a Canadian-based physician, politician, and academic.
- Philanthropist of the Decade Award: His Royal Majesty, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, traditional ruler of Alor.
- Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Hon. Oliver Okenna, a Canadian-based businessman and philanthropist.
- Most Supportive Governor’s Wife and Voice for the Voiceless in the South East: Dr. Nonye Soludo, Anambra State First Lady.
- Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism: Emma Elekwa of The Nation newspapers.
Professor Stella Okunna, the Chairman of the occasion and Matriarch of the NUJ Anambra State Council, commended the leadership of Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu for enhancing the annual ceremony. She also expressed gratitude to the dignitaries who attended and encouraged continued collaboration with the union.
