The organisers of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards have nominated
the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna for the Lifetime Achievement Award category, recognizing her outstanding contributions to journalism, academia, media development, and public service.
According to the Chairman of the AMTY 5th Edition Planning Committee, Professor Adaoma Igwedibia, the nomination acknowledges Prof. Okunna’s decades of impact in communication scholarship, journalism education, governance, and mentorship.
“Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna represents excellence, leadership and service. Her contributions to academia, journalism and nation-building make her deserving of this recognition,” Igwedibia stated.
Prof. Okunna holds a historic place in African academia as the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Throughout her distinguished career at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, she served in several leadership capacities, including Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, and Director of UNIZIK 94.1 FM.
Beyond academia, Prof. Okunna played key roles in the administration of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, serving as Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chief of Staff, and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget.
Widely respected in academic and professional circles, Prof. Okunna has made significant contributions to media development, ethical journalism, communication studies, and the mentorship of generations of media practitioners and scholars.
Prof. Okunna’s nomination for the AMTY Lifetime Achievement Award adds to a growing list of recognitions celebrating her enduring influence on academia, public service, and media practice in Nigeria.
