By Praise Chinecherem
Correspondent of The Nation newspapers in Anambra State, Mr. Emma Elekwa, has won the 2024 edition of the prestigious Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism.
Elekwa was announced the winner of the prize at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Council Press Week/Man of the Year Award, following submission of his article titled, “Erratic power supply cripples poultry businesses in Anambra, Farmers resort to lanterns, charcoal”
Speaking before the award presentation, a member of the panel of judges, Jude Atupulazi said the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate media practitioners in the state who had distinguished themselves especially in the area of ethical journalism.
He also announced the reporter with Ikenga online, Lawrence Nwimo, as runner up, out of a total of ten entries.
He congratulated the awardees for their dedication and sacrifice, describing the selection process as fair and transparent.
Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor described NUJ as one of the reputable institutions in Nigeria, pleading with members to continue to partner with government for a better society.
“NUJ is one of the reputable institutions in Nigeria, and I’m proud to be associated with it. I call on members to continue to partner with the government,” he added.
The award benefactor who doubled as Chairman of the occasion, Prof Stella Okunna, commended NUJ leadership for improved edition of the annual ceremony, just as she appreciated dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Responding, the award winner, Elekwa, expressed appreciation to God for the wisdom, zeal, and passion bestowed on him to carry out his duty, just as he thanked the benefactor for institutionalizing the award which had continued to produce exceptional journalists.
He also appreciated his media outfit, The Nation and the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) for providing the platform that made the award a reality.
“I must confess that the award came to me as surprise. I reluctantly submitted the entry just a day before the deadline and forgot about it until today I was called up,” he said.
While dedicating the award to God and his colleagues in the pen profession, Elekwa said the award would spur him for more robust, balanced and impactful reportage.
Other personalities bestowed with awards during the event included Dr Chinedu Umeadi, who received Man Of Year, traditional ruler of Alor, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, who emerged the Philantropist Of The Decade, Oliver Okenna, who bagged Most Innovative Entrepreneur Of The Year, among others.
