NUJ Anambra Takes ₦10m Charity Outreach to Awba Ofemili, Distributes Rice, Clothes, Shoes

By Felix Oti | Awka

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has extended its humanitarian outreach to Awba Ofemili community in Awka North Local Government Area, distributing clothes, shoes, rice, salt, cash and other relief materials valued at approximately ₦10 million.

The outreach, led by the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, JP, was part of activities following the union’s 2026 Press Week and Man of the Year Award ceremony.

The initiative received major sponsorship from the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area, alongside support from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Awba Ofemili Chapter; Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF), Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka; and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Anambra State Chapter.

Speaking during the outreach, Odogwu said the initiative was designed to bring relief to residents and demonstrate the union’s commitment to humanitarian service following its annual Press Week celebration.

“Over the years, we have been doing this, and the impact gives us joy. At least, we saw the happiness on the faces of the people. In support of our Man of the Year, we are here to carry out this charity outreach and put smiles on the faces of the people, which you are seeing here today,” he said.

According to the NUJ chairman, the relief materials distributed were worth approximately ₦10 million and included clothes of different sizes, bags of rice and salt, shoes, caps, belts and cash.

He added that medical teams were also on ground to conduct health checks and administer medication to beneficiaries.

“You can see for yourself that they are happy. The materials they received today will go a long way in supporting them,” Odogwu said.

He explained that the outreach was conducted in collaboration with the PFN Awba Ofemili Chapter, the Anglican Youth Fellowship of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka, and NANNM, Anambra State Chapter.

“We led, and they followed us,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of the partner organisations.

The outreach followed the NUJ Anambra State Council’s 2026 Press Week and Man of the Year Award, at which High Chief Martin Nwabueze, popularly known as Ichie Akubudike, founder and chairman of the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, emerged as the recipient of the award.

Odogwu Appeals for Extension of Road to Ayamelum

Beyond the humanitarian intervention, Odogwu commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for the road development linking Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbenu and Awba Ofemili.

He, however, appealed to the governor to extend the road project from Awba Ofemili to Ayamelum Local Government Area, arguing that the extension would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen economic activities across the state.

“We are thanking the Anambra State Governor for extending the road from Amansea through Ebenebe and Ugbenu to Awba Ofemili. We are asking him to take it to the next level by extending it from Awba Ofemili centre to Ayamelum,” Odogwu said.

He noted that the proposed extension would connect more communities and improve access to neighbouring areas.

“Once you cross the river, it will not take you two minutes to get to Ayamelum Local Government Area, which is another food basket of the state. If this is done, Anambra will be connected in a circular form, allowing people to move from one place to another more easily,” he added.

The NUJ chairman further stressed that improved road connectivity would enhance trade, transportation and access to neighbouring communities, including areas close to Nsukka and Kogi State.

Traditional Ruler, Beneficiaries Commend NUJ

The traditional ruler of Awba Ofemili, Igwe Ernest Maduagwuna, expressed appreciation to the NUJ Anambra State Council, the Ichie Akubudike Foundation and other supporting organisations for extending the humanitarian gesture to his community.

He also commended the Anambra State Government for the road project linking Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbenu and Awba Ofemili, while appealing for its extension to Ayamelum Local Government Area.

Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Ngozi Anago and Mr. Emeka Igwe, thanked the organisers for remembering the community, particularly amid prevailing economic difficulties.

They prayed for God’s blessings upon the sponsors, organisers and other contributors for their generosity and support.

The outreach underscored the role of professional organisations and their partners in community development, social welfare and humanitarian service, while residents renewed their appeal for further infrastructure development to improve connectivity and economic opportunities in the area.

#