Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has organized “Accountability conference” in Awka, the state capital.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the event held at Godwin Ezemo International Press Centre on Thursday July 1st, attracted the presence of government officials and public servants, and featured recognition of NUJ patrons and veterans, as well as award presentation to deserving individuals.
In his keynote speech on “Leadership Accountability and Economic Growth: The Crucial Role of Media”, Professor Clifford Nwanna; from Department of Fine and Applied Art, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, noted that impunity becomes the order of the day where accountability is not guaranteed, and regretted that most African countries are still held on their knees by corruption, and that Nigerian leaders are yet to see the media as partners in the development of the country.
Prof. Nwanna, however, said that the media have a lot to do in achieving leadership accountability, and tasked journalists on proper use of Freedom of Information Act and whistleblowing in achieving economic growth, just as he encouraged media owners and wealthy individuals to help in organising similar workshops for media practictioners.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief. Emeka Onwudinjo, thanked NUJ Anambra for the twin event, saying that all should be targeted in the accountability discourse.
In their goodwill messages, the Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Foster Ihejiofor, Chairman of Anambra State Local Goverment Service Commission, Barrister Vin Ezeaka, and Transition Committee Chairman of Njikoka Local Goverment Area, Barrister Chinedu Ononiba said Nigerians need to join efforts in solving the corruption problem of the country; and not to leave it only in the hands of leaders, adding that in Anambra, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has remained prudent in managing resources of the state.
Award recipients at the event, including Chief Tabansi and Chief Mrs Obikwelu, commended NUJ members for shaping the future of the society through their practices, and assured of continued efforts in touching lives positively, as well as support to activities of the union.
Anambra State Chairman of the NUJ, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and Chairman of the event planning committee, Comrade Ukpa Ewa, who thanked guests that attended the event, assured that the media will continue to provide people with information needed to advance the society.
Sir. Chuka Nnabuife while speaking on behalf of the veterans, expressed gratitude to the leadership of NUJ Anambra State Council for finding them worthy to be celebrated
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Transition Committee Chairman of Njikoka Local Goverment Area, Barrister Chinedu Ononiba said accountability in all about giving account of stewardship to the people.
“Those in leadership must ensure that what ever they are doing, at the end of the their stewardship, they are going to give account of what was entrusted to them. Most people who occupied various positions could not give account after service. When those in authority give account, corruption will reduce.
Ononiba commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his giant strides and leadership quality and when you check his antecedents, you will discover that he started work from the first day in office and his achievements in just two years Anambra state is clear for all to see and as TC Chairman, am emulating his character
The awardees were; Chief Aloysius Tabansi (A beacon of leadership, business acumen and community service), Chief. Mrs. Chinelo Obikwelu (Nwanyi Bu Ife Na Umuleri, Iyom Ugochinelueze, Obeagu, Nri), Hon. Kingsley Chukwudozie Uyammadu (A profile in leadership, business and humanity), and Chief Nworji Benjamin Ikwunnebuike (A Pilar of business acumen, and humaniterian exellence)
