The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Anambra State Council Press Week and Man of The Year Award, 2024 has ended with Dr. Chinedu Umeadi, a consultant Physician, emerging as the winner.
NUJ Press Week is an annual event organised by members of NUJ to celebrate their gains and pains as well as engage critical stakeholders in x-raying issues of public importance.
The Chairman at the occasion, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna in her opening remark described journalists as very powerful people who have the capacity to set agenda and mirror the ills in the society.
Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Monday Ashibogwu underscored the crucial role of the media as a driver of economic resilience, particularly in times of economic uncertainty as recent events in the Nigerian economy present challenges that affect the livelihood of ordinary citizens.
According to Dr. Ashibogwu, the theme calls for all stakeholders to actively engage in supporting Anambra State’s economic recovery and address underlying issues, such as: youth unemployment, educational deficits, insecurity, and the need to strengthen the economic structures of the State.
“The media plays an instrumental role in facilitating economic development by promoting transparency, fostering public engagement and enhancing communication between the government and the people”, Ashibogwu opined.
The Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Dr. Law Mefor, in a brief remark noted that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is planning big to confront the insecurity challenge in the State and urged journalists to report the State fairly.
In their separate comments, the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, represented by the Vice Chairman NUJ, Southeast, Sir Emma Ifesinachi observed that the media plays crucial role in strengthening democracy, calling on the government to improve on their relationship with journalists who depend on the goodwill of good spirited individuals for survival.
The Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu described NUJ as the mouthpiece of the society, whose activities are pro-society.
While commending the members of NUJ in Anambra State, Dr. Odogwu paid tribute to the 2023 Man of the Year, HRM, Igwe Pharm. Alex Uzo Onyido, Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom for his meritorious and responsible reign, calling on the incumbent Man of the Year, 2024, Dr. Umeadi to wear the cap with grace.
The activities packed event also featured the award for ethical Journalist of the Year sponsored by Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna which was won by Emma Elekwa of the Nation Newspaper; the birthday celebration for the NUJ Matriarch, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna; and presentation of gifts to the Njikoka Football Team, winners of the NUJ Press Week Novelty Match, by the Mayor of Njikoka LGA, Hon. Barr. Chinedu Ononiba.
The climax of the event were the presentation of awards to the Man of the Year, 2024, Dr. Chinedu Umeadi, represented by the former PG, Abagana, Sir Ikem Onwuadi; to Her Excellency, Dr. Nonye Soludo, First Lady of Anambra State, as the Most Supportive Governor’s Wife, Southeast and Voice for the Voiceless in Southeast, 2024, represented by the State Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe; the NUJ Anambra Philanthropist of the Decade to HRM, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, the traditional ruler of Alor; and to Hon. Oliver Okennah as the NUJ Anambra Innovative Entrepreneur of the year 2024.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the event themed: “The Media and Trajectories of Anambra State’s Future in a Dwindling Economy”, held at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat Awka on Thursday attracted people from all walks of life, such as government functionaries, traditional rulers, and captains of industry.
