By Samson Ezea
It is both befitting and gratifying to learn that, as part of its annual Press Week, the Enugu State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) will be inducting the immediate past Governor of Enugu State and ambassadorial nominee, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, into its Hall of Fame. The honour recognizes his unprecedented support, remarkable achievements, and fatherly disposition toward the Union during his administration.
According to the Chairman of NUJ Enugu State, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, Governor Ugwuanyi, during his two-term tenure from 2015 to 2023, made far-reaching contributions to the welfare and capacity of journalists in the state.
Among his notable interventions were the rehabilitation of the NUJ Press Centre in Enugu and the donation of a bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel. His administration also sponsored some journalists on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and undertook the construction of the NUJ Secretariat at Nsukka.
This year’s Press Week will be held on December 4, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, with the theme: “National Unity and Good Governance: The Role of the Media.”
The recognition is well deserved for Ugwuanyi—a man known for leaving lasting impressions on individuals and institutions that encounter him. It reflects the principles he upholds and the character he demonstrated while in public office.
When Ugwuanyi assumed office, the NUJ Press Centre along Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, was deplorable and no longer fit for journalists in a state regarded as the heart of the old Eastern Region and a symbolic headquarters of Igbo land. His administration not only reconstructed and remodelled the Centre to modern standards, but also created an enabling environment for journalists to practice effectively.
Further demonstrating his respect and commitment to the media, Ugwuanyi conceived, constructed, equipped, and commissioned an ultra-modern NUJ Press Centre in Nsukka. The Centre, strategically located in the heart of the town, features a 54-seater conference hall on the ground floor, a 36-seater hall upstairs, a two-room VIP lounge, a reception hall, and five office spaces.
Before this latest honour, numerous media organizations had recognized Ugwuanyi’s contributions. Notably, in 2018 alone, he received Governor of the Year awards from four national newspapers: The Sun, Vanguard, Independent, and Leadership.
- EZEA was a Senior Guardian Staff and former Special Adviser on Media to Ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State
