Prof. Sunny Udeze
By Tony Adibe
A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Sunny Udeze has described the media as light bearers with which Nigeria sees the path to development, particularly community development.
Prof. Udeze spoke as guest speaker at a grand reception of Greater Awgu People & Friends organised Greater Awgu Media Professionals (GAMP) in honour of the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka at Toscana Hotel, Enugu.
NewsBits reports that the GAMP memberships comprised journalists of Greater Awgu origin, which is made up of three Local Government Areas of Enugu State – Aninri, Awgu and Oji River Federal Constituency of the state. The lecture was themed: “The Role of The Media in Community Development.”
While explaining the theme of the lecture, Udeze emphasised that without the media there would be no development in any given society. “There is no development without communication and there is no communication without the media,” said the Don, who was quick to add that the media play critical role in development.
According to him, the media enhance development by disseminating information about business opportunities in the society as well as informing the people about government policies and programmes as they impact the citizens. Recalling the slogan of one of the chains of newspapers established by the late first Nigerian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, which was “Show The Light, Let The People Will Find The Way,” Udeze reiterated that the media, more than any other institution in Nigeria, is truly light bearers with which the country sees, thus by “informing, entertaining and educating the masses.”
Udeze also commented on the person of Ogbuka, whom he described as a team player, adding that had he not been a team player, he would not have won the chairmanship of NUJ in Enugu State.
He advised Ogbuka to continue with his team spirit, and make sure that he leads well to leave a legacy capable of projecting him for greater positions in future.
According to him, “Obinna Ogbuka is a team player because if he was not a team player, he would not have gotten the position. If he is not a team player, GAMP would not have organized a reception for him. I pray that having started well that you will end well and leave a legacy.”
In his remarks, Chairman of Greater Awgu Media Practitioners (GAMP) Comrade Regis Anukwoji called upon Ogbuka to always play the role of a father figure to all the practicing journalists in the state. He also tasked him to consult widely with stakeholders in order to succeed in his administration.
The GAMP Chairman further urged Ogbuka to carry every journalist along for him and his Exco to succeed and not to turn himself into an Island. He equally advised members to give Ogbuka their maximum support to excel.
“We encourage him to play the role of a father figure to all journalists in the state and to ensure adequate consultation where necessary. Likewise, we appeal to members of the NUJ Enugu State Council to extend both group and individual support to him for a successful and impactful tenure,” Anukwuoji said.
The Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District and Senate Majority Leader, Distinguished Senator Osita Ngwu expressed delight that “our brother and son is today leading” journalists in Enugu State. Ngwu, who was represented by his Media Aide, Dr. Luke Mgbo, pledged “total support” to the Ogbuka-led administration, assuring that “our doors are open; call on us any time, any day and we will assist you.”
He added: “I believe that working with the media would surely bring development in the community.” Meanwhile, in his response, Ogbuka pleaded with journalists in the state to always give him the maximum support to succeed, adding that with adequate support he will surpass what he has achieved so far since his inauguration.
Ogbuka said: “I need the support of everybody here. With your support, I’ll do more than what I am doing already. In fact, I need the support of all and sundry because I can’t achieve it alone.”
He also said: “I see this honour as a way of collectively sending me on an errand. I see it as if I’m carrying a cross…A cross of integrity and making the peopleof Greater Awgu proud. I will not disappoint the people of Greater Awgu. As you have come out to honour me, may God honour you all.”
He thanked the founders GAMP for bringing a platform upon which the people of Awgu can stand and “talk about our affairs.”
NewsBits reports that the event was attended by media personalities such as one-time Editor at the Daily Times, and former Commissioner for Information in the State, Hon. Ogbuagu Anikwe, Chief Uchenna Cyril Anioke and politicians as well as business tycoons.
