By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has commenced activities marking its 35th anniversary with a colourful September Congress that combined professional reflection, advocacy for responsible citizenship, social interaction and a series of recreational competitions among journalists.
The September 3 event, which held at the NUJ Secretariat in Awka, formally opened the Council’s 2026 Press Week and Coral Anniversary programme, with the grand finale scheduled for Thursday, September 10, under the theme, “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”
The anniversary celebration will mark three and a half decades of journalism practice, professional growth, service to society and the defence of press freedom in Anambra State, and will also feature the grand finale of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards.
The celebration is also expected to provide an opportunity for the Union to reflect on its journey, honour pioneers and past leaders, celebrate the contributions of journalists to society and renew its commitment to truth, professionalism, responsibility and service.
The September Congress featured a press briefing and September Congress, with journalists participating in food, drinking and dancing competitions, among other scintillating, educating and entertaining activities.
Among major highlights of the gathering was the appearance of the President-General of the Youth Wing of the Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC Youth), Comrade Ken Okoli, who used the occasion to take the “I Believe in Anambra” and “Onye Anambra” values campaign to journalists.
Okoli, who was a special guest at the Congress, called on journalists to deploy their platforms towards promoting responsible citizenship, positive values, accountability and good governance in the state.
He said the media remained a powerful instrument for shaping public opinion, educating citizens and holding political leaders and public institutions accountable, urging journalists to equally use that influence to help build a society anchored on sound values.
According to him, a society without clearly defined and practised values could become vulnerable to abuse by those in positions of authority.
He stressed that citizens remained the most important component of any society, arguing that good governance could not be sustained merely through government policies without corresponding responsible conduct by the people.
Okoli said the ASTUC Youth was therefore promoting a set of 12 core values which it believes should define the identity and conduct of every Onye Anambra.
The values, he said, include fear of God, patriotism, self-reliance, discipline, truth, liberty, justice, community, dignity of labour, religious tolerance, ethnic tolerance and love.
He explained that the campaign was designed not merely to publish or preach the values but to encourage people, especially young Anambra residents, to practise them in their daily lives.
Okoli also linked the campaign to the need for citizens to move away from a culture of constant complaints about government and become active participants in the development of their communities and the state.
He said Anambra youths had chosen to take ownership of their future by identifying values that could serve as their “articles of faith” and guide their conduct as citizens.
While highlighting the ongoing community Role Model initiative of the ASTUC Youth and its significance, Okoli urged journalists to join the campaign and help communicate its message to the wider society, particularly through their publications and media platforms.
He subsequently presented copies of the Anambra Value System publication/handbook, “I Believe in Anambra,” to the NUJ Anambra State Council for onward distribution to NUJ chapels across the state as part of efforts to deepen the values campaign among journalists and through the media.
Earlier, while speaking at the Congress and declaring the Press Week open, the Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, urged members to give full support to the anniversary and Press Week programme.
Odogwu particularly called on journalists and NUJ chapels across the state to mobilise fully for the grand finale scheduled for Thursday, September 10, stressing the importance of the milestone to the history and development of journalism in Anambra State.
He also urged members to use the anniversary not only as an avenue for celebration but as an opportunity for sober reflection on the responsibilities of journalists to society.
The NUJ chairman said the Union had come a long way in the past 35 years and needed the collective support of members to sustain its achievements, strengthen unity among journalists and further promote professionalism and press freedom.
Also addressing journalists during a press conference at the event, the Chairman of the 2026 NUJ Press Week and Coral Anniversary Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francis Emeka, said the anniversary was designed to celebrate the history, resilience, service and professional achievements of journalists in Anambra over the past 35 years.
Ekpone said journalists practising in the state had remained committed to their societal responsibilities of holding institutions accountable, providing credible information, educating the public and contributing significantly to the development of society.
He described the Coral Anniversary as a celebration of 35 years of history, resilience, service and professional achievements, saying it offered the Union an opportunity to honour the past, evaluate the present and renew its commitment to the future of journalism and society.
According to him, the anniversary theme, “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service,” was deliberately chosen to reflect the enduring values and responsibilities of journalism, as well as the need for truth, professionalism, responsibility and service in the discharge of journalists’ duties.
He said the anniversary would also provide an opportunity to recognise past leaders, colleagues and stakeholders whose sacrifices, dedication and contributions helped to build and sustain the NUJ Anambra State Council.
Ekpone noted that the Union had historically played an important role in defending the rights of journalists and promoting press freedom, adding that the anniversary represented three and a half decades of commitment to the profession, defence of press freedom, promotion of professionalism and service to society.
He said the milestone should not merely be regarded as a commemoration of the past but as a launching pad for a stronger, more purposeful and progressive future.
The planning committee chairman said the celebration was an opportunity to look back with gratitude at the contributions and sacrifices of pioneers, past leaders and members whose dedication, courage and resilience helped to build the Union, while strengthening the bond between journalists and the wider society.
He stressed that a vibrant, responsible and credible press remained indispensable to democracy, good governance, accountability and sustainable development.
As highlighted by the Planning Committee Chairman, the activities for the Press Week will continue with humanitarian visits on Friday, September 4, to correctional centres, children’s homes, homes for the destitute and old people’s homes.
Monday, September 7, will feature indoor games and recreational activities, including Ludo, Chess, Draft, Whot, skipping and other games.
A novelty football match between the NUJ team and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) team will also hold the same day at Paul University Field, Awka, with the event scheduled to commence at 3 p.m. and kick-off by 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 8, will feature a facility visit to the facilities and business premises of Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Limited and Senatorial Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Anambra South.
Wednesday, September 9, will be dedicated to free medical care for NUJ members and a Social Evening with NUJ National and Zonal Officers, labour leaders and other stakeholders.
The National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has also confirmed his availability for the Wednesday event.
The Press Week Grand Finale will take place at Annabelle Event Centre, Awka, by 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 10.
The grand finale, Comrade Ekpone said, would feature a keynote address, presentation of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards, Coral Anniversary celebration, presentation of the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism, other ceremonial and entertainment activities, as well as the Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting scheduled for 6 p.m.
The grand finale will be chaired by Comrade Churchill Okonkwo, PhD, while the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, JP, will serve as keynote speaker. Former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Victor Agusiobo, will be the guest speaker.
Expected at the grand finale are the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu; Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor; other commissioners and government functionaries.
Also expected are the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya; other national and zonal officers of the Union; more than 1,000 NUJ members; traditional rulers; Local Government Mayors; Town Union Presidents-General; and other distinguished guests and stakeholders.
The celebration will further continue with the Rural Outreach Programme on Saturday, September 26, while a Thanksgiving Service will hold on Sunday, September 27, at a venue to be announced.
Comrade Ekpone also revealed that the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award will be conferred on High Chief Martin Nwabueze, popularly known as Ichie Akubudike Umudioka, in recognition of his accomplishments in business, construction and international oil and gas. He will take over the award from Arch. Okey Ezeobi, the immediate past recipient who is presently the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
A special 2026 NUJ Anambra Lifetime Man of the Year Award will also be bestowed on Prof. Charles Ofoegbu for his outstanding contributions and distinguished profile spanning the past 35 years.
Other awardees include Hon. Obby Nwankwo (Okwuego), who served as commissioner in about four ministries, as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Public Service Award recipient.
Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Bunvy Agency Ltd, will receive the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade Award.
Chief Romanus Chika (Juju Ugbenu), a renowned philanthropist, community leader and international businessman, will be honoured as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Most Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year.
Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike (Aridon), Regent of the Umunze Traditional Council, will receive the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Humanitarian of the Year Award, while ex-international banker and investment consultant, Engr. Raphael Ezeike, Managing Director/CEO of Poly Concepts & Consultancy Ltd, will be honoured as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Community Development Icon of the Year.
Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim, Chief Executive Officer of Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka, will receive the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Medical Professional Service Award, among other awardees whose names will be unveiled at the grand finale.
On the journalism side, Comrade Victor Agusiobo, a two-term Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, will be honoured with the 2026 NUJ Anambra Long-Term Outstanding Professional/Leadership Service Award.
Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye will receive the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Professional Service Award, while Chukwudi Chukwuenyem will be honoured as a 2026 NUJ Anambra Professional Service Awardee, among others.
The Union will also present the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism, an initiative instituted to encourage journalists who uphold the highest ethical standards in the profession.
The planning committee said it received the highest number of entries for the award this year, with the overall winner to be announced at the September 10 grand finale.
The prize money for the ethical journalism award has also been increased from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000 through the intervention of its benefactor, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna.
While the professional and civic dimensions dominated the formal proceedings, the well-attended September NUJ Congress later assumed a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere as journalists participated in the various social and recreational competitions.
The food, drinking and dancing contests became some of the major attractions of the day, creating an opportunity for members from different chapels to unwind and interact outside their normal newsroom and professional routines.
At the end of the contests, Chibuzo Obidike of the ABS Chapel emerged winner of the drinking competition, while Uchenna Ezeadigwe of the Awka Federated Chapel emerged first runner-up.
In the eating competition, Ifeanyi Uchenna of the ABS Chapel emerged winner, while Chinenye Ikegbo of the Ministry of Information Chapel came second.
In the female dancing category, Chika Nnabuife of the UNIZIK FM Chapel emerged winner, followed by Blessing Dennis of the ABS Chapel in second position.
In the male category, Chukwuebuka Oguocha of the ANN Chapel emerged champion.
Presenting prizes to the winners, the NUJ Anambra State Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, congratulated the successful contestants and commended all members who participated in the competitions for displaying sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Odogwu said the activities were deliberately incorporated into the Press Week programme to create room for journalists to relax, interact and strengthen the bonds of unity among members beyond their professional duties.
He encouraged the winners to see the prizes not only as rewards for their performance but also as recognition of their participation and contribution to the success of the Press Week.
The NUJ chairman further urged members who did not win to remain encouraged, stressing that the essence of the competitions was not merely to win prizes but to foster friendship, unity and a stronger sense of belonging within the Union.
He thanked members of the planning committee, the State Executive Council, participating chapels and all stakeholders for their support towards the 35th anniversary celebration, while urging journalists to sustain the spirit of togetherness throughout the remaining activities.
The Anambra number-one journalist consequently called on members, stakeholders and well-wishers to participate actively in the remaining activities and join the Union in marking what he described as a significant milestone in the history of journalism in the state.
More photos from the event:
