By Chinedu Madu


The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council was established in 1992 following the creation of Anambra State the previous year. Many practicing journalists had relocated from Enugu because of replication of their various Media establishments in the newly created State.


 The pioneer leadership of the union, led by Comrade Ossy Nweke of the Anambra Broadcasting Service was elected at the February 1992 biennial delegates conference held in Awka. Since inception, the union has waxed strong under various leaders over the years.


The present leadership of the NUJ in Anambra State led by a highly celebrated Journalist and university don, Comrade (Dr) Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, began in 2022 following the State Triennial Delegates Conference of the Union. Thus, Comrade Odogwu became the first Chairman of the Union with a Doctorate Degree, making him the most educated in that order. Little wonder his tenure in the last three years has brought lots of transformations to the Union. Over 100 mind enriching and capacity building events and programmes have been organized such as, Bloggers summit, Media Executives Summit, Cultural Day cum New Yam festivals, Fashion and Arts exhibition, among several others. 


The indefatigable Comrade Odogwu believes so much in the uniqueness of the journalism profession, hence his passionate commitment to constantly reviving the spirit of members of the Union and elevating the role of media as the Fourth Estate Of The Realm. Also, the mental and physical health of journalists have been boosted through the various outdoor and indoor games constantly organized by the Union's leadership. This is quite unprecedented in the Union's history. 


In the spirit of injury for one is injury for all, members of the union have stood for each other in trying times. The Chairman and his committed members of the executive have in conjunction with the Union's Matriarch and revered Professor of Mass Communication, Chinyere Stella Okunna, initiated a Certificate Programme In Journalism to enable practicing journalists who had no requisite certificate to have it seamlessly. The certificate Programmes ran in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka initially, before coming to Paul University Awka, under Odogwu’s leadership. Under the present leadership, journalists have had the opportunities of embarking on training programmes both at the state and National levels as well as visited three West African countries for tour and training. 


The countries included Republic of Ghana, Republic of Benin, and Republic of Togo as facilitated by the International Institute Of Journalism(IIJ), Lagos.  The Union has equally established and maintained goodwill with Government agencies such as Police, Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, etc.This friendship ties have benefited journalists with seamless applications for international passports and driver's licences to mention but a few. 


In it's bid to underscore the relevance of retired journalists, the Union under Odogwu's watch has inaugurated League of Veteran Journalists, with Comrade  Sir Dennis Ekemezie as protem coordinator. The League embraces other senior citizens who had romance with the media and others who had opportunity of running government or private media outfits, though not journalists. 


It is heartwarming to note that the Union in that last three years has taken the lead as famous Union with dual capacity as a trade union as well as professional body, playing active role in Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State where Comrade Odogwu is the Assistant Secretary. Also, the Union has strengthened cordial relationships with different professional bodies and affiliates of NLC and TUC while championing various teachings via seminars organized for a liveable and better society.


The NUJ Anambra State led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD  JP, has also embarked on philanthropic activities which have benefited ndi Anambra via scholarships, outreaches, and palliatives for victims of flooding, among others. He equally attracted a borehole facility to the Union's Secretariat generously donated by the MD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Dame Ada Umeoji,OON (Agubataofia). The Union has witnessed tremendous all round growth and development, all thanks to the present Chairman and his able executive members.


Every year, NUJ Anambra State Council roll out the drums to celebrate her Press Week and Man Of The Year Awards Ceremony. The Press Week among other things is organized to review the activities of journalists and journalism practice during the year, as well as celebrate Journalists who have distinguished themselves in ethical journalism. During the Press Week, individuals from Anambra State, who have achieved feats in human capital development, community service and growth are recognized with the Prestigious Man Of The Year Award. Comrade Odogwu and his team had added colour and increased the tempo of the celebrations this year by adding two other categories to the awards which are "The Most Innovative Entrepreneur Of The Year " and "The Philanthropist Of The Decade". The press week also provides a platform for journalists to network with sister Unions in friendly sporting activities, interact with local industries, touch lives and celebrate the profession in a grande style.


The 2024 NUJ Anambra State Press Week, which kicked off on the 26th of October 2024, will be rounded off with a colourful occasion of Man Of The Year and other Prestigious Awards which will be chaired by the legendary Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna who is the deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University Awka. The theme of this year's event is " The Media And Trajectories For Anambra State's Future In A Dwindling Economy" while keynote Speaker is Dr Monday Ashibogwu, a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and MD/CEO BillsBox Lagos. This year's event theme is apt as Anambra and other states in the country are grappling with the challenges of a dwindling economy. It underscores the critical roles of journalists in shaping and mainstreaming public discuss and informing economic policies.The media is expected to lead conversations on sustainable solutions to the declining revenues, rising inflation, unemployment among others.


The prestigious awards to be given out this year include: Man Of Year, Philanthropist Of The Decade, Most Innovative Entrepreneur Of The Year and a special recognition of the Anambra State first lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, as the Most Supportive Governor's wife and Voice for the Voiceless in the entire South East.


 It's worthy of note that the nomination and selection processes for the awardees were strictly, transparently and painstakingly done to ensure that the right individuals emerge winners. For the Man of The Year award, a Canadian based physician and academic, Dr Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, Agunaechemba Abagana, won while that of Philantropist Of The Decade was clinched by a revered traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, Ezedioramma III of Alor Kingdom. The Most Innovative Entrepreneur Of The Year Award goes to another Canadian based Businessman and Philantropist, Hon Oliver Okenna, Dikemba Ebenebe. These individuals are illustrious sons of Anambra and deserved to be celebrated.


Some of the activities lined up for this year's Press Week include: Press Conference, Interactive session/facility visit, Sanitation exercise, visit to orphanages, novelty football match, indoor games, couples and singles hangout, and thanksgiving service.


On Thursday 7th November, 2024 at 10am all roads will lead to the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat Complex Behind CBN Awka for the grande occasion that will climax the NUJ Anambra State Council Press Week. Guests expected at the unique event include: His Excellency, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Executive Governor of Anambra State, who is the special guest of honour, Dame Dr Ada Umeoji, OON Agubataofia, MD/CEO Zenith Bank, HRM Igwe Pharm Alex Onyido, Ezechuamagha, Igwe of Ogidi, NUJ President, Dr Chris Isiguzo among others.

All lovers of journalism profession and indeed ndi Anambra are invited to this August event.



Madu, is an Awka based Media Consultant.