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Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State Council , Friday held the grand finale of It’s 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.
Pix: Gov Mbah
Speaking shortly after receiving the award at the event held at 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.
Pix: Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon.Lloyd Ekweremadu Jnr. receiving the award on behalf of Governor Mbah
“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, interns of schools, type 11 Primary Healthcare centers.
Pix: Ekweremadu Jnr
” 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,” he said.
In his address the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, 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.
Pix: NUJ chairman, Comrade Sam Udekwe ( Standing)
Commending 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.
” In the face of growing misinformation and the challenges of digital media, our duty as journalists has never been more critical. We stand at the frontlines, not just to report events but to uphold the truth, promote accountability, and serve as the conscience of society. It is essential that we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in our work. The trust bestowed upon us by the public must be upheld through our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and impartiality,.
“The theme of this year’s Press Week 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. It 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, ” he said..
Speaking about the awards and the awardees, Udekwe said they were ruled by the sense of objective judgement, where value was placed above sentiment.
“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.
Pix: Guests at the occasion
“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.
“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 said.
Pix: Consultant Pharmacist Jonathan in a presentation
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He commended the 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,”6 he said..
He thanked all who supported the Press Week activities.
Pix: Planning Committee Chairman, Emmanuel Jonathan Esq.
Earlier in his remark, the planning committee chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Jonathan, JP, 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 Theme Journalism in a Developing Economy: The Dignity of Professional Practice” which delivered by Prof Osita Ogbu OON, is apt and addressed issues of professionalism against quacks.
He urged journalists to work seek educational advancement so as to be equipped in doing their job professionally.
Other awardees were 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 D P O ,New Haven District ,S.P 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 one week event which commenced last Sunday,December 1, started with interdenominational prayers at the Unity Hall of the Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,NUJ Press center.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama