It was a one week tantalizing, fun fare and award winning Week for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Anambra Council as they held the 2025 ‘NUJ Press Week in grandstyle.
The press week, News Echo reports started with a novelty match between NUJ football team vs the Soludo Patriots, NUJ Games, visit to some of the Governor Soludo projects in Anambra ( Ekwulobia flyover, Solution Fun City, Light House), visit to motherless babies which culminated in to the grand finale on Thursday, 28th August, 2025 at the International Press Centre Awka.
Confirming the 2025 NUJ Man of The Year, Award, the Chairmen, Comrade Dr Emeka Odogwu said Mr. Ezeobi of Procurement Officer of Anambra State is been honoured in recognition of his professionalism and transparency in managing the procurement affairs of the state government.
In his welcome address, Dr Odogwu, described Ezeobi as “a shining example of integrity and excellence in public service,” noting that his strict adherence to due process and accountability has greatly strengthened good governance in the state.
Dr. Odogwu explained that the award was not just a personal recognition, but also a celebration of professionalism in the state’s civil service. He urged other public officers to emulate Ezeobi’s dedication and commitment to the greater good of Ndi Anambra.
In his response, Ezeobi appreciated the NUJ for the honour, dedicating the award to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the state executive team for their support. He also commended journalists for their watchdog role in deepening democracy, pledging to continue upholding transparency and accountability in his duties.
Also at the event, Anambra Sun-Newspaper Correspondent, Comrade Aloysuis Attah was announced as the winner of 2025 Okunna Prize For Ethical Journalism.
Comrade Attah emerged winner with the report titled ‘Inside Anambra Troubled Communities”, with a cash prize of One Hundred and fifty thousand naira (150,000) while Comrade Ukpa Ewa emerged runner-up with the report titled “Why Anambra May Not Produce Female Governor Soon”, with a cash prize fifty thousand naira (50,000)only.
Speaking shortly after the presentation, the First Female Professor on mass communication, Sub Sahara Africa, and current Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University Awka, Professor Stella Okunna disclosed that the award is targeted at encouraging Journalists who go extra miles in getting facts and practice ethically journalism.
Contributing, Chairman of the Committee, Sir. Chuka Nnabuife commended the winners and urged more practising journalists to partake in the competition. He
stated that in the course of selection, the juries observed lack of investigative reporting, reliance on secondary sources such as telephone conversations and WhatApp messages, instead of first hand information.
“The panel paid attention to adherence to originality, balance to news, style of presentation and Journalistic ethics. We recommend for more quality entries and prioritize investigative Journalism and editorial skills”. Nnabuife disclosed.
Meanwhile, in attendance were political figures, office holders in the state as well as business moguls, traditional title holders and special dignitaries like the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Chairman Anambra Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Igwe of Obosi, His Royal Majesty Igwe Bennett Izuchukwu Emeka, Okebo 11 of Umueri, 2024 NUJ Man of the Year, High Chief Dr Chinedu Umeadi, dance groups, community leaders and supporters, among others.
