Tag: ANAMBRA NUJ

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The February Congress of the Anambra State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) drew a significant turnout from its various chapels. According to the Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, the union has around 400 active journalists, and approximately 300 attended the Congress, which was the first held after the January 24 election.

The Congress took place at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, located behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Awka.

In his address, Odogwu expressed that the large turnout reflects a commitment to unity rather than division, providing an opportunity for the members to reunite as one family. He stated, “During the pre-election period, there were divisions, alliances, and disputes among members that were expected during the election. However, to the glory of God, we chose to unite. We held a prayer session today to ward off negative influences and remind ourselves that we are one family working for the glory of God.”

He urged members to serve society better and to refrain from behaving unprofessionally while carrying out their duties, emphasizing the importance of their role as a moral compass in society.

“I use this opportunity to encourage us all to work together. My success is your success, and any failure is ours as a union. But, with God’s grace, we will not focus on failure. I urge every journalist in Anambra State to come together with us, just like Dr. Nelson Omenugha, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, and Prof. Chinyere Okunna, among others, who support us and attend our congresses.”

He stressed the importance of working for the benefit of the union, saying that his priority is to champion initiatives that will make everyone happy over the next three years.

In his speech, the Chairman of the State Information Chapel, Dr. Stanley Onunkwo, called on aggrieved members who felt offended during the election to forgive one another and collaborate with the new executive for the union’s growth and development.

He noted that the National Council of the union praised Anambra NUJ for conducting a peaceful, free, and fair election, which should serve as a model for other states.

The atmosphere of the Congress was marked by the distribution of rice to members, donated by Prof. Lilian Orogbu, a lawmaker representing the Awka North and South Federal Constituency.

*Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

By Bernadette Nwakile :

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council holds Press Week and Man of the Year 2024  Awards at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, on November 7.

In his speech, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expressed his profound gratitude to Anambra NUJ, noting that the activities of the Government are now being reported unlike before, pleading for continued support to the present administration.

Gov Soludo was represented at the event by Dr. Law Mefor, Anambra Commissioner for Information.

The Key Note Speaker, Dr. Monday Ashibogwu spoke extensively on the Theme: “The Media, And Trajectories for Anambra State’s Future In a Dwindling Economy”.

In her Speech, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Chinyere Okunna said, “the Roles of the  Mass Media are Surveillance and Agenda Setting which we are doing today, to tell the public and masses what watchdogs is all about”.

She praised the State NUJ Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, for his doggedness and diligence in moving the Council forward as expected of him by members.

Contributing, the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe who represented the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the NUJ for the wonderful cooperation between members and the government, pleading to sustain that fellowship.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) Anambra State, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor welcomed the Distinguished Guests and thanked the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Soludo for his support, urging him to carry Journalists along as the Watchdogs of the Society.

Highlights of the events were the presentation of Awards to Dr. Nonye Soludo, Anambra State Governor’s Wife/Founder, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, as the Most Supportive Governor’s wife in Southeast and Voice of the Voiceless in Southeast, 2024. 

The Traditional Ruler of Alor, HRM, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, bagged the NUJ Anambra 2024 Philanthropist of the Year for his proven track record of leadership, philanthropy and Community development.

Dr. Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, who was conferred 2024 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year was as a result of his support for education, improving the health of the people, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation through his Foundation.

Hon. Oliver N Okennah (Dikemba Ebenebe), bagged the 2024 NUJ Anambra Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year for using his innovative approaches to improving families in need, students for better tomorrow and agricultural productivity in rural areas.

The event was well attended by dignitaries including the 2023 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year, HRH, Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido(Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom).

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman, NUJ Anambra State, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD thanked all that graced the occasion, soliciting for financial support to enable the Council to complete the projects at hand even as he wished them journey mercies back to their different destinations.

*Bernadette is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State