By Uzo Ugwunze
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council has kicked off activities to mark its 35th Anniversary with the 2026 Press Week and Man of the Year Awards.
Addressing journalists in Awka on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Chairman of the 2026 NUJ Press Week and Coral Anniversary Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francis Emeka, said the Coral Anniversary is a celebration of 35 years of resilience, professionalism and service by journalists in Anambra State.
According to him,this year’s theme is “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service”.
Over the years, NUJ members have remained committed to holding institutions accountable, providing credible information to the public and defending press freedom.
“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.” He added that the week will also be used to recognize past leaders and stakeholders whose sacrifices helped build the Union, while strengthening the relationship between the media and the larger society.
Activities for the celebration began today with the September Congress, which featured food competitions, drinking contests, dancing, and old-school games. However, Chibuzo Obidike won the drinking competition while feanyi Uchenna of Abs won the Food competition.Chika Nnabuife of UNIZIK FM and Chukwuebuka of ANN chapel
Other events lined up include humanitarian visits to correctional centres, children’s homes and old people’s homes on Friday, September 4. On Monday, September 7, in the morning hours there will be indoor games like ludo, skipping, chess, etc and a novelty football match between NUJ and FRSC at Paul University Field, Awka by 3pm.
Tuesday, September 8 will feature a facility tour of Seahorse Lubricant Industries and visit Seahorse CEO cum Senatorial Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress Anambra South, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, while Wednesday, September 9 will shall have free medical care for NUJ members and a Social Evening with NUJ National and Zonal Officers.
The Grand Finale holds on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Annabelle Event Centre, Awka by 10:00 a.m. The event will feature a Keynote Address by Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, JP, Bishop of Amichi Diocese, and a Guest Lecture by Mr. Victor Agusiobo, former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Guild of Editors. It will also include the presentation of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards, the Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism, and the Coral Anniversary celebration.
The Press week grand finale will be chaired by Comrade Churchill Okonkwo, PhD. A ZEC Meeting has also been scheduled for 6:00 p.m. the same day. Other activities include a Rural Outreach on Saturday, September 26 and a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, September 27.
This year’s honorees include High Chief Martin Nwabueze, Ichie Akubudike Umudioka, as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year; Prof. Charles Ofoegbu for the Lifetime Man of the Year Award; Hon. Obby Nwankwo, Okwuego, for Outstanding Public Service; Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu for Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade; Chief Romanus Chika, Juju Ugbenu, for Most Outstanding Philanthropist; Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike, Aridon, for Outstanding Humanitarian; Engr. Raphael Ezeike for Outstanding Community Development Icon; and Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim for Outstanding Medical Professional Service.
For journalists, Comrade Victor Agusiobo will receive the Long-Term Outstanding Professional and Leadership Service Award, while Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye and Chukwudi Chukwuenyem will also be honoured. The Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism prize money has also been increased to N500,000 this year.
Dignitaries expected at the grand finale include 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, NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya, over 1,000 NUJ members, traditional rulers, Mayors, Presidents-General and other stakeholders.
The Planning Committee expressed appreciation to the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, and the State Executive Council for their support. It also called on all members to turn out in large numbers to make the 35th Anniversary celebration memorable.
Earlier in his welcome address during the September Congress, the State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD urged all journalists in the state to give full support to the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award and Press Week especially on September 10, 2026 the D Day.
According to him, the success of the event depends largely on the collective support and participation of journalists across print, broadcast, and online media. Let the visit of Wife of the President to Anambra State not deter any member of NUJ from being in our program. Even if you are assigned to cover the Wife of the President’s visit, do it quickly and rush to our event “.
Odogwu therefore called on media houses, NUJ chapels, partners, and stakeholders to mobilize and ensure the program is a success. “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,” he said.
The Council assured that adequate arrangements have been made to host a befitting event that will be a pride to the journalism profession in Anambra State.
Dignitaries that came to identify with NUJ in preparation for the Press week include Anambra State Town Union Council ASTUC Youths President Comrade Ken Okoli and Nigerian Union of Pensioners NUP State Chairman, Comrade Anthony Ugozor.
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