NUJ Anambra Turns 35, Reopens the Pages of a Proud Journalistic Past

By Uzo Ugwunze

Thirty-five years after it began shaping the voice of journalism in Anambra State, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, is turning the pages back to honour its pioneers, celebrate its journey and reaffirm its place in the service of society.

The council on Thursday, September 3, 2026, unveiled activities for its 35th Anniversary Press Week and 2026 Man of the Year Awards, marking what it described as 35 years of resilience, professionalism and public service.

The anniversary, themed “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service,” is designed to blend nostalgia with a renewed commitment to the future of journalism.

Chairman of the 2026 Press Week and Coral Anniversary Planning Committee, Comrade Francis Emeka Ekpone, said the celebration would provide an opportunity to remember those who laid the foundation of the union while reflecting on the responsibilities that come with journalism.

“This anniversary is not just about looking back. It is about honouring our pioneers, taking stock of where we are today, and renewing our commitment to a journalism profession that is credible, courageous and in service to humanity.”

The celebration opened with the September Congress, featuring old-school games, food and drinking competitions and other recreational activities—bringing a touch of the past into the anniversary.

The week will continue with humanitarian visits to correctional centres, children’s and old people’s homes on Friday, September 4. Indoor games and a novelty football match between NUJ and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will follow on Monday, September 7.

Other major activities include a facility tour of Seahorse Lubricant Industries and a visit to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, on Tuesday, September 8. Free medical care for NUJ members and a social evening with national and zonal officers are scheduled for Wednesday.

The grand finale comes up on Thursday, September 10, at Annabelle Event Centre, Awka, featuring a keynote address by the Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, JP, and a guest lecture by former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Victor Agusiobo.

The occasion will also feature the presentation of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards, the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism, and the formal celebration of the Coral Anniversary.

Among the honourees are High Chief Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike Umudioka), NUJ Anambra Man of the Year; Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, Lifetime Man of the Year; Hon. Obby Nwankwo (Okwuego), Outstanding Public Service; Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade; and Chief Romanus Chika (Juju Ugbenu), Most Outstanding Philanthropist.

Also to be honoured are Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike (Aridon) for Outstanding Humanitarian Service, Engr. Raphael Ezeike for Community Development, and Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim for Outstanding Medical Professional Service.

On the journalism side, Victor Agusiobo will receive the Long-Term Outstanding Professional and Leadership Service Award, alongside other media professionals. The prize attached to the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism has also been raised to N500,000.

Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Chief Judge Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu, Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor, and NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya are among dignitaries expected at the finale.

Earlier at the September Congress, NUJ Anambra Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, urged journalists across the state to take ownership of the anniversary and ensure a strong turnout on the grand finale.

“As the conscience of society, journalists must show solidarity and ownership of this event. Let us all come out en masse on September 10th to make the 2026 Press Week and Man of the Year Award memorable,” Odogwu said.

The anniversary programme will extend beyond the Press Week, with a rural outreach scheduled for September 26 and a Thanksgiving Service on September 27.

For a union that has spent 35 years chronicling Anambra’s triumphs, crises and changing political and social landscape, the Coral Anniversary is more than a ceremonial milestone. It is a moment for the newsroom to pause, remember where it came from—and ask what kind of journalism the next 35 years will demand.

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