NUJ Anambra Unveils 35th Anniversary Plans, Awardees

|By Ejike Agbata

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has rolled out activities to mark its 35th anniversary, with a mix of professional, humanitarian and social events lined up for this year’s Press Week.

Chairman of the 2026 NUJ Press Week/Coral Anniversary Planning Committee, Comrade Francis Ekpone, reeled out the programme during the September Congress of the NUJ Anambra State Council in Awka on Thursday.

According to him, the celebration, which began on Thursday, will run through September 27, with the grand finale scheduled for September 10.

He said the anniversary was being celebrated under the theme, “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service,” reflecting what he described as the union’s long-standing role in promoting credible journalism, accountability and press freedom.

The programme, he stated further would move beyond the usual festivities, with journalists taking part in humanitarian visits, sporting activities, medical outreach and other engagements with members of the public.

The humanitarian aspect will take place on Friday, with journalists visiting correctional centres, children’s homes, homes for the destitute and old people’s homes. On Monday, September 7, members will engage in indoor games before taking on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a novelty football match at Paul University Field, Awka.

A facility visit to the business premises of Chief Dr Ebuka Onunkwo, Chairman and CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Limited, is scheduled for Tuesday, while free medical care for journalists and a social evening with NUJ officials, labour leaders and other stakeholders will hold on Wednesday.

The grand finale on September 10 is expected to attract the state’s political and traditional leadership, alongside journalists from across the country.

Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, is billed to deliver the keynote address, while former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Victor Agusiobo, will be the guest speaker. Comrade Churchill Okonkwo, Ph.D., will chair the occasion.

One of the major highlights will be the presentation of the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award to High Chief Martin Nwabueze, Ichie Akubudike Umudioka. Prof. Charles Ofoegbu will receive the newly introduced Lifetime Man of the Year Award, while former commissioner, Hon. Oddy Nwankwo, will be recognised for outstanding public service.

Other personalities listed for recognition include Mr Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, Chief Romanus Chika, Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike, Engr. Raphael Ezeike and Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim.

The union will also honour some of its own. Agusiobo, a former two-term chairman of the Anambra NUJ, will receive the Long-Term Outstanding Professional/Leadership Service Award, while Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye and Chukwudi Chukwuenyem are among journalists billed for recognition.

Ekpone also announced that the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism had attracted its highest number of entries this year.

He said the winner would be announced at the grand finale, with the prize money increased from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000 by Prof. Okunna.

The anniversary activities will continue after the grand finale with a rural outreach programme on September 26 and a thanksgiving service the following day. Comrade Ekpone called on members of the union and stakeholders to support the celebration, saying the 35th anniversary was not only an occasion to look back at the journey of journalism in Anambra, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the profession’s commitment to truth, responsibility and service.

NUJ Anambra Unveils 35th Anniversary Plans, Awardees