NUJ Anambra @ 35: Press Week Grand Finale Set for Sept. 10 as Union Honours High Chief Martin Nwabueze

By Felix Oti, Awka

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to mark its 2026 Press Week and Coral Anniversary, with the grand finale scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Awka.

The celebration, which marks 35 years of the NUJ in Anambra State, will spotlight the contributions of journalists to democracy, public accountability, credible information and community development, while honouring individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service and other fields.

The Chairman of the NUJ Press Week and 35th Anniversary Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francks Emeka, announced the programme on Thursday during a press briefing in Awka.

According to him, the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity for the Council to reflect on its journey, celebrate its achievements and recommit itself to the core values of journalism.

“The Coral Anniversary is a celebration of 35 years of history, resilience, service and professional achievements. It provides an opportunity to honour the past, evaluate the present and renew the Union’s commitment to the future of journalism and society,” Ekpone said.

‘Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service’

The theme of the 2026 anniversary is “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”

Ekpone described the theme as particularly relevant at a time when the media faces growing challenges around credibility, misinformation, professional ethics and public trust.

He said the theme reinforces the responsibility of journalists to uphold truth, professionalism and ethical standards while using their platforms to contribute meaningfully to society.

The anniversary will also provide an avenue to recognise past leaders, journalists, professionals and stakeholders whose contributions and sacrifices helped strengthen the NUJ in Anambra State.

Seven days of activities

The 2026 Press Week programme commenced on Thursday, September 3, with a press briefing and September Congress, featuring social activities and old-school competitions.

On Friday, September 4, members of the Union will embark on humanitarian visits to correctional centres, children’s homes, homes for the destitute and old people’s homes.

Indoor games including Ludo, Chess, Draft, Whot and Skipping are scheduled for Monday, September 7, followed by a novelty football match between the NUJ and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at the Paul University field, Awka, by 3:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, September 8, the Council will undertake a facility visit to the business premises of Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, Chief Executive Officer of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd.

Wednesday, September 9, will feature free medical care for NUJ members and a social evening involving NUJ national and zonal officers as well as labour leaders. The NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, is expected at the event.

Grand finale: September 10

The grand finale will hold from 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, at Annabelle Event Centre, Awka.

Highlights will include a keynote address, the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards, the Coral Anniversary celebration and the presentation of the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism.

A Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting is also scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

The grand finale will be chaired by Comrade Churchill Okonkwo, PhD, while the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, JP, will deliver the keynote address.

Former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Victor Agusiobo, is expected to serve as guest speaker.

The wider anniversary programme will continue with a rural outreach programme on Saturday, September 26, followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 27.

Nwabueze emerges 2026 NUJ Man of the Year

One of the major highlights of the anniversary is the conferment of the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award on High Chief Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike Umudioka).

Nwabueze, a businessman with interests in construction and oil and gas, succeeds Arch. Okey Ezeobi, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, who was the previous recipient.

Other award recipients include Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, who will receive the Lifetime Man of the Year Award for 35 years of distinguished service.

Hon. Obby Nwankwo (Okwuego) will receive the Outstanding Public Service Award, while Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, MD/CEO of Bunvy Agency Ltd, is billed for the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade Award.

Other honourees are Chief Romanus Chika (Juju Ugbenu), Most Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year; Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike (Aridon), Regent, Umunze Traditional Council, Outstanding Humanitarian of the Year; and Engr. Raphael Ezeike, MD/CEO of Poly Concepts & Consultancy Ltd, Outstanding Community Development Icon.

The Outstanding Medical Professional Service Award will go to Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim, CEO of Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka.

Comrade Victor Agusiobo will receive the Long-Term Outstanding Professional/Leadership Service Award, while Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye and Chukwudi Chukwuenyem are listed among recipients of the Outstanding Professional Service Award.

Ethical journalism award prize rises to N500,000

In another major development, the prize money attached to the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism has been increased from N150,000 to N500,000.

The increase was made by the benefactor, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, with the winner expected to be announced at the September 10 grand finale.

The award is expected to further encourage journalists in the state to uphold ethical standards, accuracy, responsibility and professional excellence in their work.

Top dignitaries expected

Expected guests at the anniversary events include Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice O.M. Anyachebelu; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; and NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya.

Traditional rulers, Mayors, Presidents-General of communities and more than 1,000 NUJ members are also expected to participate in the celebration.

‘Let us make it memorable’

The Planning Committee expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, and members of the State Executive Council for their support toward the anniversary.

Ekpone called on NUJ members and stakeholders to support the programme and make the 35th anniversary a landmark celebration.

“We enjoin all members to join hands to ensure this year’s Press Week becomes a memorable celebration of 35 years of journalism practice, service and professional excellence in Anambra State,” he said.

The anniversary, therefore, is expected to serve not only as a celebration of the NUJ’s past but also as a renewed call for journalists to defend truth, uphold professional responsibility and remain relevant to the development of Anambra State.

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