UNIZIK Former Acting VC, Anambra Commissioner For Petroleum And Others Attend Book Launch.

By Ebubechukwu Onyekwelu

The former Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and other dignitaries attended the public presentation of the book “Child Rights Reporting in the Digital Age”, authored by Dr. Obiorah Edogor.

The event, which took place on Friday, 18th July 2025, at the UNIZIK Postgraduate College Auditorium, Awka, attracted several prominent figures in academia, government, and traditional leadership.In attendance were the former Acting Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu; Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Chief Barr. Tony Ifeanya; the first female professor of Mass Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna; and Ozo Mmirienweilob 1 Na Omasi, High Chief Hon. Chimezie V. Okoye, among others.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Barr. Tony Ifeanya, in his opening remarks, described the book as an insightful contribution to the discourse on children’s rights. He noted that the book explains the concept of child abuse and explores how children are portrayed in the mass media, particularly highlighting the negative effects of such portrayals, including media-induced stigma.

The author, Dr. Obiorah Edogor, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, UNIZIK, formally presented the book and expressed his appreciation to the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, his mentors, and all who supported the successful completion of the project. He acknowledged the presence of royal fathers, commissioners, professors, lecturers, and students who attended the launch.In her review, Prof. Angela Nwammuo, a lecturer in Mass Communication and Public Relations at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, described the book as an essential academic resource.

She noted its relevance to mass communication and child rights advocacy, adding that it would guide scholars in understanding child rights issues and navigating funding opportunities for child-focused interventions.Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna praised the author, referring to him as “her son,” and commended the commitment of many of her mentees who are now lecturers in the department. She lauded everyone for supporting what she described as her son’s impactful intellectual agenda.The book was officially unveiled amidst generous donations from dignitaries present at the occasion.