The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon.Lloyd Ekweremadu Jnr , receives the award on behalf of Governor Mbah
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State Council on Friday held the grand finale of its 2024 Press Week, honouring the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah with Icon of Democracy Award in recognition of his developmental strides in the state.
Addressing the audience shortly after receiving the award at the event held inside the Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Unity Hall, NUJ Press Center, Enugu, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Lloyd Ekweremadu Jnr. said the award “is an award that speaks to the recognition of his (Governor Mbah ‘s)interventions and disruptive innovations coming from the Nigerian Union of Journalists, it means a lot.”
He further said: “As journalists, you have all the details. You know what is happening in Enugu. You are aware of the development that His Excellency has brought in terms of infrastructure, in terms of schools, type 11 Primary Healthcare centers.
Section of the guests at the event
“You were there when His Excellency, the Vice President came for commissioning. You were always there for all those things. Being at fore front of all of these, this award means a lot to His Excellency.”
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ((NUJ), Enugu State Council, Comrade Sam Udekwe said, “the event not only marks a significant point in our calendar as media practitioners but also serves as a timely opportunity to reflect on our roles, challenges, and responsibilities in the society we serve.”
While lauding journalists for their contributions to the development of the society, Comrade Udekwe said, “as we gather here, let us first take a moment to appreciate the invaluable contributions of journalism in shaping our democracy and fostering a more informed citizenry.
“This year’s theme, ‘Journalism in a Developing Economy: The Dignity of Professional Practice’, reminds us that our profession is not merely a job but a vital service to our communities and how we are regarded in society, depends on the value we add to the practice as we interface with our various publics.”
Udekwe said that in the face of growing misinformation and the challenges of digital media, “our duty as journalists has never been more critical,” adding that “We stand at the frontlines, not just to report events but to uphold the truth, promote accountability, and serve as the conscience of society.”
He emphasised that it is essential for journalists to always adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in their work. “The trust bestowed upon us by the public must be upheld through our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and impartiality,” he remarked.
Commenting on the theme of this year’s Press Week, Udekwe explained that the theme also “calls us to engage in discussions that empower us as journalists — to innovate in our reporting, to harness technology responsibly, and to ensure inclusivity in our narratives.”
According to him, the theme “challenges us to embrace training and capacity building, fostering a new generation of journalists who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the contemporary media landscape.” On the Awards and the recipients, Udekwe said they were ruled by the sense of objective judgment, where value was placed above sentiment.
The DPO of New Haven District, SP Chijoke Sunday Ogbodo receives his award
Udekwe said: “People are appreciated and recognized for what they give back to society and on all these, it behoves journalists to mount surveillance. Ultimately, it is amplified to set agenda by moulding the public thinking. I, therefore, congratulate all the award recipients on navigating the hurdles of the court of public opinion as it were to achieve the respective titles of award. The NUJ Chairman also spoke on the adversity that exists in the environment the journalists operate.
“I want to take this opportunity to commend the dedication and resilience of our members, the stalwarts of our profession here in Enugu State. Your unwavering commitment to reporting the truth, often in the face of adversity, is commendable. We acknowledge the sacrifices made and the challenges endured. Remember, every story we tell shapes perceptions and influences the future,” he said.
Urging journalists not to be discouraged by the intrigues of haters of truth, Udekwe told the gathering: “We shall never be deterred by the antics of those who detest the truth in order to cover the bitterness of it as a result of the impropriety of their acts. May we at this juncture, let our friends in politics and leadership understand that we tell truth for their sake. For instance, it is by the truth we tell that the world is able to know about the value of the disruptive innovation in the current administration of Enugu State.
“It is also by our insistence on being factual that the people realize to discountenance certain rumours engineered by those who want to run down the leaders.”
He, however, lauded Governor Mbah for creating an enabling environment for members to operate, saying, “his mien of consideration for human comfort and decency of attitude should also be emulated by those assisting him in administration who should as it were, be seen as disciples. After all, for us in Enugu we do not just believe in the Fourth Estate of the Realm status of the press; we practice it, occupying the position of the fourth arm of the government. Therefore, we are part of the government and are always ready to move along with the other three arms in line with the executive policies without compromising our watchdog role.
“As we celebrate our achievements this week, let us also recognize the need for solidarity among ourselves as journalists. It is imperative that we support one another, advocate our rights, and defend press freedom. In unity, we are stronger and better positioned to confront the challenges that lie ahead.
“Let this occasion not only celebrate our profession, but also reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding democracy through responsible journalism. May we continue to empower our communities with the truth, while fostering a culture of integrity and respect for the values we hold dear,” according to Udekwe. Earlier in his remark, the planning committee chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Jonathan, Esq, said that the NUJ Press Week is an annual ritual which gives members the opportunity to show love to each other and be their brothers’ keeper.
He said that the press week lecture theme, “Journalism in a Developing Economy: The Dignity of Professional Practice,” which was delivered by Prof Osita Ogbu is apt and addressed issues of professionalism against quacks. He urged journalists to work and always seek educational advancement so as to be equipped in doing their job professionally.
Chief Uche Anioke presents the Award to representative of the CEO Ugwu Agama Farm Limited , Sani Friday Nnaji
Other recipients of the Awards included the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Osita Ngwu, member Representing Enugu East/ Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, member representing Enugu North and South Federal constituency, Hon. Chimobi Sam Atu, the DPO of New Haven District, SP Chijoke Sunday Ogbodo.
The NUJ Enugu Corporate Award was given to Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), the CEO Ugwu Agama Farm Limited, Sani Friday Nnaji.
The 1-week ceremony, which commenced last Sunday, December 1, started with interdenominational prayers inside the Unity Hall of the Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, NUJ Press Center, at Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu.
