Baring all unforeseen circumstances, the Anambra State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will on 19th January go to polls to elect a new executive for the union.
Already, the coveted position of chairman of the union has three contenders, all of which have been adjudged to be capable of the task of moving the union forward.
The contenders in no particular order are: Sir Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu, Mr Emma Udeagha and Dr Emeka Odogwu. For easy accessment of each of the candidates, below are their full profile.
A BRIEF CITATION OF COMRADE (SIR) MMADUABUCHI ONWUMELU (B.Sc Political Science, Dip. Journalism, NCE, WASC, FSLC)
Comrade (Sir) Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu is a trained and practicing journalist, a teacher, administrator, Social and political Scientist, a public affairs analyst, social media influencer and a leader. Born in the Eighties, he is a native of Uruegbe Village Umuoji, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. He holds a Professional Diploma in Journalism (PDJ with Upper Credit) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. ED.) with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Administration/Political Science from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu State and a Nigeria Certificate In Education (NCE with Distinction and Credits) in Ecumenics/Social Studies from African Thinkers Community of Inquiry College of Education (ATCOICOE), Enugu, Enugu State. Currently, he is pursuing a Postgraduate Programme. He has attended and participated in different national delegates conferences, workshops organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He was at Abeokuta, Ogun State in 2018 and at Umuahia, Abia State in 2021.
For the past 12 years, Comrade (Sir) Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu has been engaged in media practice and developmental journalism. He’s a senior editorial staff of Fides Media Limited (Publishers of Fides Newspaper).
He is an active member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he has served in various key committees at the State level. Proved his capacity in all the tasks assigned to him by the past and present administration. Successfully administered and managed NUJ official platform which he birthed (solely his initiative). He saw to the inauguration of Fides Media as a chapel under NUJ and subsequently served as its pioneer chairman. He is currently the duly elected Treasurer of our great Council.
A towering achievement of Comrade (Sir) Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu is his successful initiation and effective administration of a virtual platform called “Media Practitioners Only” which brings together all media professionals in Anambra State. The platform is now over 7 years old and is easily the most vibrant online rendezvous for media workers in this part of the country. For initiating the platform, Media practitioners in Anambra State came together in May 2015 to honour me with a rare award for my
creative ingenuity. Virtually all journalists in Anambra State have benefited directly or indirectly from Comrade (Sir) Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu’s resourceful and public-spirited disposition.
A truly born leader and an impressive media personality, appearing on various radio and television programmes as a discussant on public issues and contributing articles in newspapers and online platforms as well as writing commentaries for radio stations.
Comrade (Sir) Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu is a State Working Committe (SWC) member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council. He’s certified as a teacher by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). He is also a trained and certified Peace Corps Officer.
Comrade (Sir) Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu is a receiver of several awards and honours from various distinguished bodies. They include:
Creative Media Award by media practitioners in Anambra State (May 2015),
Media Excellence Award by the National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS) Nationwide (11th August 2018),
Media Ambassador Award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Anambra State Chapter (17th May 2019), Outstanding Journalist Award by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command (2019), Platinum Award On Professional Service from Rotaract Club of Amawbia CB District 9142 (31st October 2020), honoured with Media Icon Award and also decorated as a Patron by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Idemili North Chapter (December 2018), Honoured and appreciated in the year 2019 for his Media Expertise by the Deputy Majority Leader and Member Representing Orumba North State Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Emeka Aforka, Outstanding Youth Ambassador Award by Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Awka II Deanery (20th October 2019), among others.
Sir Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu, is a devout Catholic. In recognition of his exemplary services to the Church, he has been admitted into the knighthood of the Ancient and Noble Order of Knight of St. John International (KSJI). He speaks fluently Igbo, Yoruba and English languages. He is married and blessed with children.
Esteemed Colleagues. I bring you good tidings from God Almighty. May you continue to excel in all your positive and life enhancing endeavours. Amen. I want to respectfully inform you about my desire to contest for the post of chairmanship of our dear Union in the forthcoming election. I want to improve on the achievements of the successive administrations. With my vast experience in leadership and administration I am convinced that I will impact positively on the lives of members of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council. I humbly solicit your support and goodwill. Together we’ll take our dear Union to greater heights.
ACTION PLAN
God willing, we shall;
Promote oneness and strengthen the Chapels, to make the Council active and result oriented.
Defend all Journalists in the State and be the voice, especially of those who respect and uphold the Ethics of the Profession.
Use the powers of the Union to enlist private enterprise in the struggle to uplift the Council from its beggarly status and overdependence on Government patronage under the proposal, the Press Centre would be developed and made fit for purpose, to provide our members and the public with a more relaxed ambience for activities.
Establish a welfare scheme for members.
Partner Agencies | for the training and retraining of our members for best practice experiences and improvement.
Promote a culture of integrity and fight the tradition of slavery of Journalists, especially in some media establishments in the State.
This is borne out of the belief that there cannot be press freedom when Journalists cannot guarantee their livelihood.
Undertake a commercial venture to cater for our colleagues and veteran Journalists, who are distressed
Check recklessness, partisanship, bias and abandonment of the Journalists’ acknowledged position of political impartiality.
A BRIEF CITATION OF MR EMMANUEL CHIDOZIE UDEAGHA
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: Emmanuel Chidozie Udeagha
Date of Birth: 26th November, 1962
Hometown: Oba, Idemili South LGA
State: Anambra State
Nationality: Nigeria
Marital Status: Married
SCHOOL ATTENDED DATE
Urban Community School, Abakaliki 1970 – 1976
Oboro Secondary School, Umuahia 1976 – 1981
University of Nigeria, Nsukka 1987 – 1989
Federal Polytechnic, Oko 1992 – 1994
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 1997 – 2001
Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, Lagos 2000
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DATE
FSLC 1976
WASCE 1981
University Diploma (MASS-COM) 1989
Higher National Diploma (HND) 1994
Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) 1998
Masters in Public Administration (MPA) 2001
Public Service Examination (PSE) ASCON Certificate 2000
POSITIONS HELD
Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Ministry of Information & Culture, Awka 2001 – 2003
Chief Press Secretary to the Wife of Anambra State Governor,
2003 – 2005
Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Ministry of Environment, Mineral Resources, Science & Technology, Awka
2005 – 2006
State Communication Manager, Avian Influenza Control & U Human Pandemic Preparedness & Anambra State
Anambra State Communication Facilitator, Food & Agriculture Organization FAO, Bio-Security Projects, UN House, Abuja
Deputy Director (Information), Ministry of Information & Culture, 2015
PRESENT POSITIONS
Editor, National Link Newspapers, Nnewi
Secretary, NUJ Anambra State Council November 2015 – Date
WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Workshop on Project Formulation, Feasibility Studies & Project Appraisal organized by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP at Awka, 16th – 27th Feb. 1998.
Workshop on “Election Reporting & Monitoring” organized by Anambra State Government for Journalists, 30th Jan. 2007
Workshop for Avian Influenza Communication Desk Officers at Assaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna State, 6th – 13th July, 2007
Workshop for State Avian Influenza Communication Desk Officers from 10 High Risk States in Nigeria, 26th – 27th Nov. 2007
Workshop on Material & Message Harmonization organized by the United States Agency for International Development USAID, at Assaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna State, 28th – 31th, 2008
Workshop on Social Mobilization for Migrant Poultry Workers, Traders &Transporters in Nigeria organized by the International Organization for Migration, IOM, Abuja at Awka, Anambra State 23rd – 24th September, 2008.
Inception Training / Workshop organized by the Food & Agriculture Organization for Field Officers under the Bio-Security Projects in the 3 Pilot States in Nigeria, 31 Aug, – 2nd Sept, 2009 Abuja
Community Capacity Enhancement (CCE) Training for State Communication Personnel organized by ECTAD Unit, at UN House, 23rd – 26th Nov. 2009 Abuja
Project Review Workshop for the FAO Bio-Security Projects, at Leisures & Desires Hotel, Awka, Anambra State, 30th – 31st March, 2010
Message & Materials Development Workshop for Key Stakeholders under the FAO Bio-Security Projects at UN House, Abuja, 27TH – 29TH April, 2010
Workshop for Journalists on Enhancing Women Participation in Politics and Visibility in Leadership organized by the Association of Communication Universities and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, March 2021 Etc
CERTIFICATES / HONOURS
Award for Excellence, Extra-ordinary Achievement & Super creativity by the Honourable Commissioner for Information & Culture, Anambra State, February, 2002
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
Member, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Anambra State.
PROFILE OF COMRADE ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU PHD, JP
Candidate for Anambra NUJ Chairman 2022
CURRICULUM VITAE
Odogwu Christian Chukwuemeka Nwannedimma Odogwu, PhD
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: Odogwu Christian Chukwuemeka Nwannedimma
(Odogwu Emeka Odogwu)
Place & Date of Birth: Umunze, 28th March, 1977
Nationality: Nigeria
State of Origin & LGA: Anambra, Awka North
Permanent Home Address: Umuogowa- Umudiaba-Amagu Village, Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State
Contact Address: Odogwu’s Compound, Eziatamata Square Umuono- Ngodo Village, Nise, Awka capital territory, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
E-mail: odogwuchampionawka@yahoo.co.uk, odoemslink@yahoo.com, odogwuemekaodogwu@gmail.com
Telephone: 08060750240 or 08072149678
Marital Status: Married with Children
Next Of Kin & Phone Number: Odogwu Obialunamma Esther, 08037993472
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED WITH DATES
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 2014 – 2019
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 2007- 2013
- National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna 2006 – 2007
- Certificate Course on Journalism by BBC World Trust 2008
- AfriHUB ICT Solutions for Africa 2008
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 2005 – 2007
- New World Computer Academy, Dutse Jigawa State 2004
- B-Marshal Computer Institute, Oko 2003
- Federal Polytechnic, Oko 2001 – 2002
- French Language Centre, Ministry of Education, Awka 2000
- Federal Polytechnic, Oko 1998 – 1999
- Preliminary Programme, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Ufuma campus 1997
- Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia 1993 – 1995
- Urban Secondary School, Abakaliki 1990 – 1992
- New Layout Primary School II, Abakaliki 1987 – 1989
- Community Primary School, Amanuke 1984 – 1986
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS WITH DATES, DEGREE(S) OBTAINED WITH DATES
- PhD Mass Communication( Print Media) July, 2019
- M.Sc. Mass Communication May, 2014
- Certificate Computer 2008
- PGD Education, NTI 2007
- PGD Mass Communication 2006
- HND Mass Communication 2002
- Certificate Computer 2003
- Certificate Computer 2004
- Certificate in French Language 2000
- ND Mass Communication 1999
- Preliminary Programme certificate 1997
- General Certificate in Education (GCE) 2000
- Senior Secondary Education Certificate (SSCE) 1995
- First School Leaving Certificate ` 1989
NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS (NYSC)
Information Officer, Ministry of Information, Jigawa State (NYSC) 2004
PRESENT EMPLOYMENT
- Editor, South-East, The Authority Newspapers, Since January 2020
- Journalism Teacher as Lecturer 11, Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State since 2019
WORK EXPERIENCES
- Editor, South-East/South-South Oracle Today Newspaper, Onitsha January 2019
- Editor, South East, The Authority Newspaper, Abuja since, March 2018
- Regional Editor, South-East, The Leadership Newspapers Abuja, February 2018
- Editor, South East, Special Projects Vanguard Newspapers, Lagos May 2018
- Editor, South East, Ag., The Authority Newspaper, Abuja, Since March, 2016
- Anambra State Correspondent, Awka,Authority Newspaper, Abuja, October 2015-2016
- Anambra State Correspondent, Nigerian Pilot/News world Magazine Feb. 2015
- Blogger @www.odogwublog.comsince Dec. 2013
- Correspondent, The Nation Newspapers, Nnewi/Onitsha Anambra State 2012-2014
- Anambra State Correspondent, Champion Newspapers Limited, Lagos 2008-2012
- Correspondent Awka Champion Newspapers Limited, Lagos 2005-2008
- Senior Reporter, National Link Newspaper, Nnewi 2000-2004
- Editor in Chief forum for African women educationalists Nigeria (FAWEN) 2004
- Reporter, Newsgate Magazine, Anambra State 2002
- Editor, FAWEN News Magazine, Nigeria (South-East Zone)
- Chairman Editorial Board/Editor, The Rock Newspaper Diocese of Dutse, Jigawa State 2003
- Acting Public Relations Officer (PRO), Anglican Diocese of Dutse, Jigawa State 2003
- Apprentice Photography, Riches photos Oko 2002-2003
- Freelance/ Correspondent, ABS, Awka 2000
- Editor, The Light Newspaper, Chapel of Light, Anglican Church, Federal Polytechnic, Oko 1999
- Editor Polywall Weekly Newspaper (HND Project Work) 1999
- News Correspondent, ABS Awka (Industrial Attachment) 1999
- Industrial Attachment Programme with Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS), Awka 1999
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
- Journalism Teacher, as Lecturer 11, Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra state since 2019
- Master III, Community Secondary School, Mgbakwu, Awka-North 2004
- French Teacher, Jesus Never Fails Nursery/Primary School, Awka 1999 to 2002
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS
- Adum .A. ,Odogwu .E. et al (2019). The Viability and Utility of Ecclesiastical Demands for HIV and Genotype Medical Tests Information before Church Mediated Marital Union in Nigeria: Developing Country Studies.www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-607X (Paper) ISSN 2225-0565 (Online) DOI: 10.7176/DCS Vol.9, No.6, 2019.
- Adum .A. and Odogwu .E. et al (2019). Public Attention to Traffic Informatics in a Major Nigerian City. International Journal of African and Asian Studieswww.iiste.orgISSN 2409-6938 An International Peer-reviewed Journal DOI: 10.7176/JAAS Vol.56, 2019.
- Adum .A., and Odogwu . E. et al (2019). Intercity Bus Passengers’ Perception and Response to In-Vehicle Medication Drug Hawking. Journal of Marketing and Consumer Researchwww.iiste.orgISSN 2422-8451 An International Peer-reviewed Journal DOI: 10.7176/JMCR Vol.57, 2019.
- Adum .A. and Odogwu .E. et all (2019). Awareness of Copyright Laws among Select Nigerian University Students. Journal of Law, Policy and Globalizationwww.iiste.orgISSN 2224-3240 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3259 (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JLPG Vol.86, 2019.
- Adum .A. and Odogwu .E. (2019)Health Information Literacy: An Assessment of Commercial Bus Drivers’ Patronage of ‘Mama Put’ Food Outlet, and Their Sense of Vulnerability to Food Poison. Journal of Poverty, Investment and Developmentwww.iiste.orgISSN 2422-846X An International Peer-reviewed Journal DOI: 10.7176/JPID Vol.50, 2019.
- Adum .A. and Odogwu .E. et al (2019) Communication and Resource Conflict Resolution: The Case of Aguleri-Kogi Feud Over Ownership of Crude Oil Finds. Journal of Resources Development and Managementwww.iiste.orgISSN 2422-8397 An International Peer-reviewed Journal DOI: 10.7176/JRDM Vol.56, 2019
- Adum .A. and Odogwu .E. et al (2019). Health Risk Communication and The Hazards of Portable Electricity Generator Use: A Study of Awareness and Knowledge of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Among Resident Nigerian Public University Students. Journal of Environment and Earth Sciencewww.iiste.orgISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEES Vol.9, No.6, 2019
- Adum .A. and Odogwu .E. et al (2019). The Internet, Freedom of Expression and Online Readers’ Attention to and Utilization of Online Newspapers’ Comment Sections. New Media and Mass Communicationwww.iiste.orgISSN 2224-3267 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3275 (Online) DOI: 10.7176/NMMC Vol.81, 2019.
- Adum .A. and Odogwu .E. et al (2019). The Communication Imperative in Resolving Communal Clashes in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Public Policy and Administration Researchwww.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online) DOI: 10.7176/PPAR Vol.9, No.6, 2019.
NEWSPAPER/MEDIA ARTICLES (Over 1,000 see some recent ones)
- African continental free trade Area (ACFTA) and the rest of us. The Oracle Today Newspaper, August 14 -19 2019, Page 40.
- Nuns, Priests and sex: Who takes the blame?(1).The Oracle Today Newspaper, May 1-7 2019. Page 39
- Of collapsed building in Anambra and vanishing Government white paper. The Oracle Today Newspaper, June 12-18,2019. Page 33.
- Nze Uche Nworah as ‘Unbecoming’ Patriot? The Oracle Today Newspaper, May 20-June 4, 2019. Page 33
- 5, April 10 -16 ,2019, Anambra civil service: Chidi Ezeoke, Mni, Where are you ? Page 39
- Much ado about NEEM fertilizer plant, Amawbia. The Oracle Today Newspaper, Wednesday, April 17-23,2019Page 39.
- Anambra 2022: Is Bishop Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor an Option? The Oracle Today Newspaper, Wednesday, June 5-11,2019, Page 33.
- Take a bow, Ogochukwu, and sin no more. The Oracle Today Newspaper, Wednesdays April10, 2019 Page 39.
- Poll Rigging and our professors faux pas (2) The Oracle Today Newspaper, Wednesday, April 3 , 2019, 2019. Page 39.
- Poll Rigging and our Professors faux pas (1) The Oracle Today Newspaper, Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Page 39*
- UNIZIK’S Mission: Ahaneku’s pains, Esimone’s gains. The Oracle Today Newspaper, 10, July 16-21 2019. Page 18
- Porting and NCC’s drive against unregistered, improperly registered SIMS (1). The Oracle Newspaper Today, Monday,June ,17-25 , 2019 page 31.
- Impossible Ndiagu Alike Ikwo and Enyibuchiri Abakaliki, Ebonyi State: Thanks Umahi! The Oracle Today Newspaper. Wednesday April,25-30 ,2019. Page 39.
- Ezeibe’s feat cerebrating the unyielding spirit of Ndigbo. The Oracle Today Newspaper,Tuesday July 9 -14 2019, Page 18.
- NCC’S new vigour against unregistered, improperly registered SIM’S. Oracle Today Newspaper, July 2-7, 2019Page 22.
ONLINE LINKS OF SOME ARTICLES out over 5000
- http://www.absradiotv.com/2019/08/04/commentary-celebrating-the-unyielding-spirit-of-ndigbo/
- https://www.247nnu.ng/2017/02/and-journalist-died-by-odogwu-emeka.html
- https://oraclenews.ng/anambra-2022-is-bishop-ephraim-okechukwu-ikeakor-an-option/
- https://oraclenews.ng/uniziks-mission-ahanekus-pains-esimones-gains/
- https://theeagleonline.com.ng/bianca-ojukwus-faux-pas-on-peter-obi-by-odogwu-emeka-odogwu/
- https://oraclenews.ng/ezeibes-feat-celebrating-the-unyielding-spirit-of-ndigbo/
- https://thenationonlineng.net/anambra-steps-up-action-on-projects/
- https://www.newsexpressngr.com/news/72134-The-emerging-Ezeigbo-Gburugburu-By-Odogwu-Emeka-Odogwu
- https://thenationonlineng.net/a-mysterious-tree-of-life/
RESEARCH WORKS
- Odogwu, E.C. (2019). Who Out there is Repulsed by the fear element in media news? (Unpublished Doctor of Philosophy Thesis), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
- Odogwu, E.C (2014). Influence of Remuneration on the Practice of Journalism in Anambra State (Unpublished Master’s thesis), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
- Odogwu, E.C. (2006) Rational for Community Relations (A case study of Chevron Texaco, Nigeria), (Unpublished Post Graduate Diploma Thesis), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
BOOKS/NOVELS
- My Father, My Hero by Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Printed by King of Kings Publishers 2019
- Dangerous Adventure by Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Printed by Wisdom Publishers 2020
WORKSHOPS ATTENDED
- Ipas Media training for Journalists on Women’s Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights January 2020 at Imo State
- Military-Media Relations Summit at the 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu November 2019
- BBC World Service Trust one week course for Nigerian reporters by Budget monitoring project team in Awka September 2006
- BBC World Service Trust one week course for Nigerian reporters by Budget monitoring project team in Awka February 2007
- BBC World Service Trust one week course for Nigerian reporters by Budget monitoring project team in Awka November 2007
- Training workshop by Anambra government on press freedom and responsibility organized by ministry of information in collaboration with Ministry of Local government and Chieftaincy matters and UNIZIK Mass Communication Department in Awka 2008
- Training workshop on ‘’Reporting Development Partnership and Good Governance in Anambra State’’ organized by Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (Development Partnership Coordinating Ministry) in Collaboration with Anambra state committee on Good Governance, supported by European Union, UNICEF, MDG’S Nigeria, UNICEF, World Bank and UNDP in Awka February, 2011.
- Training Workshop by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council (Correspondents Chapel), on ‘’Violence Sensitive Reportage’’ organized by Correspondents Chapel in collaboration with Anambra state Government in Awka December, 2012
- Training workshop by National Fisheries Value Chain Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) organized by Teemartins Aquaculture and Agro Allied Products Ltd in Adazi- Nnukwu October, 2014 to January, 2015