Anambra State council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has stated that diligent and credible media report from journalists can sustain development in Nigeria.
The chairman of the council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu stated this during a press briefing by members of the organizing committee of the 2023 press week of the NUJ in the state.
Odogwu said: “The press is a vital organ in sustaining development in any society. That is why wrong information can cause serious disaster, including igniting war in a country.
“We are mindful of this, and during this year’s Anambra NUJ press week, we have carefully choosen the theme: Pragmatic Media practice as an antidote to sustainable development in a distressed economy: A focus on Anambra State.
“Our keynote speaker for that theme, which we carefully selected is the National Chairman, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, and we know he will deliver.
“As journalists, we need to come together and tell ourselves the truth about what our contribution is in the development of Nigeria.”
Chairman and secretary of the planning committee, Dr Njideka Ezeonyejiaku and Chukwuleta Chigozie who also spoke at the event said Anambra State Governor; Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu are expected to attend the event.
Ezeonyejiaku and Chukwuleta said several events are lined up for the press week, including; presentation of NUJ 2023 Anambra Man of the Year Award to Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzo Onyido of Ogidi kingdom, and presentation of Prof Chinyere Okunna Award for Ethical Journalist of the Year to a winning journalist.
Others are visitations to charity homes, facility tour of Tiger Foods Company Ltd, novelty match between the NUJ team and state judiciary team, among others.
The event which holds on November 2, will be chaired by the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-saharan Africa, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, while media chief executives, captains of industry, media managers and regulators as well as traditional rulers are expected to attend.
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime among other media handlers in the state are expected to grace the occasion, they stated.
