Anambra Commissioner Charges journalists to Place Society Above Personal Interests

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has urged journalists to always bear the interests of the society in mind while discharging their duties as the watchdogs of the society.

Chuma-Udeh made the call during the 2022 end of the year party and award presentation day of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held at the council’s secretariat in Awka.

She praised the efforts of journalists in nation building and their powers to build and to destroy through their reportage, encouraging them to always abide by the ethics of the profession so as to effect positive change in the society.

The Chairman of the state NUJ, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu and his Vice Chairman, Comrade Ngozi Obileri thanked members for their maximum support since they assumed office.

They encouraged the journalists to maintain professionalism in the course of their work, even as they prayed for God’s blessings and protection on them in the remaining days in 2022 and the year 2023.

Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu rated journalists in the state high in playing their roles as the voice of the voiceless, encouraging them to always strive to conquer evils that prevailed in today’s society with their daily reportage.

In separate remarks, Traditional Ruler of Umuawulu in Awka South Council Area, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, his Osomala, Ogbaru Council Area counterpart, Igwe Chukwuemaka Awogu, and Anambra NUJ Patron, Chief Chris Elumunor, hailed journalists for their efforts towards reshaping the society for the good of the voiceless.

They reminded the media practitioners of the need to remain unbiased in covering the forthcoming general elections.

Chairman Organizing Committee for the event, Comrade Joy Mbachi and the Secretary, Dr Njideka Ezeonyejiaku, called on public to always support journalists as their contributions in societal development cannot be over emphasized.

A guest at the event, Barrister Helene Mbakwe, asked Nigerians to vote wisely during the elections so as to elect people with their interests at heart and not money bag politicians who are only after their own selfish interests.

The event featured installation of new patrons of the Anambra state NUJ, as well as award presentation during which Comrade Alfred Ajayi of Purity FM won the union’s 2022 Ethical journalist award donated by Prof. Stella Okunna.