Soludo’s Chief of Staff Hails Correspondents’ Chapel as Engine of Journalism

By Our Correspondent

The Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, has described the Correspondents’ Chapel as the “engine of journalism” in every state, highlighting its pivotal role in promoting responsible reportage.

Ezeajughi made the remarks at the Anambra Correspondents’ Chapel end-of-year event in Awka.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, he commended the media for its contribution to the smooth and successful conduct of the November 8 governorship election in the state.

“The media constituency is important to the Solution Government in Anambra, and we should continue to sustain this healthy relationship. You did not suppress the truth; rather, you went beyond mere reporting. Your objective coverage, particularly in the lead-up to the governorship election, enabled residents to make responsible choices.
Your efforts also contributed to the peaceful atmosphere the state enjoyed before, during, and after the election,” Ezeajughi said.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the media for collaborating with the police to ensure a high level of security during and after the election.

“You contributed significantly to the level of security enjoyed during and after the election and even now in the Yuletide season through your reportage,” the CP said.

The Governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, assured that the state government would continue to strengthen its relationship with the Correspondents’ Chapel.

“We do not take your role for granted. You have projected Gov. Soludo’s policies effectively, earning him recognition across the world,” Aburime added.

Earlier, the Chapel Chairman, Chief Chuks Ilozue, said the event provided an opportunity for members to thank God for His faithfulness despite the year’s challenges.

He acknowledged those who supported the family of the late Alphonsus Nweze, a member who died in a road crash, and appealed to the state government to assist the bereaved family and support the chapel in repairing its bus, also involved in the accident.

Chief Ilozue said, “We were not deterred by negative forces that attempted to cripple us. Instead, the chapel blossomed, with members winning awards at both state and national levels.”

The event’s highlight was the presentation of the Correspondents’ Chapel Media Merit Awards, instituted by a philanthropist supporter.

Mr. Aloysius Attah of The Sun Newspapers won the top prize, while Mr. Emma Elekwa of The Nation Newspapers and Mr. Emma Uzor of The Sun Newspapers were first and second runners-up, respectively.

Awards were also presented to Mr. Christian Aburime, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Feanyi Okeoma, and the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituencies, Prof. Lilian Orogbu.

Members of the award judging panel—Prof. Angela Nwanmuo, Sir Victor Agusiobo, and Chief Gab Okpaleze—outlined the criteria for selecting the winners, which included the relevance of their news reports to society.