Professional excellence paid off yesterday in Asaba, Delta State, as three journalists, including the Editor-In-Chief of The Pointer Newspapers, Mr. Monday Uwagwu, received cash prizes and other gifts for emerging winners of the Commissioner for Information award.

Mr. Uwagwu got a cash prize of N100,000 having emerged first in the award category, while Mr. Thankgod Ofoelue of the Authority Newspapers and Mr. Sam Erhunmwunse of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (Radio Nigeria) received N30,000 and N20,000 respectively for successfully clinging the second and third positions of the award’s maiden edition.

Recall that the names of the awardees were announced by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, during the 2017 Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) week held in Asaba on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.

Speaking at a brief award ceremony yesterday in his office, Mr. Ukah explained that the award was aimed at recognizing journalists who give adequate media coverage and prominence to the SMART Agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in a manner that is fair, balanced and professional.

The Commissioner admitted that “the NUJ in Delta State is very wonderful” and has shown a high level of understanding with the state government, particularly within this period of economic downturn, adding that the award is to urge the recipient and other media workers in the state to avoid complacency and step up their professional dexterity in the coverage of government activities in good light.

He assured that as the economy continues to improve, the ministry will liaise with the NUJ and private establishments in the state to ensure that the recognition of professional and excellent performances of journalists is done on an annual basis.

He commended the proficiency of the three winners and specifically applauded Mr. Uwagwu whose journalistic pen, he said, has become larger than his physical appearance.

In a brief remark, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Mr. Norbert Chiazor, commended the Commissioner’s robust relationship with journalists in the state, observing that his regular interface with the NUJ has been good and productive.

Responding on behalf of other recipients, Mr. Uwagwu commended the state government for giving an extra recognition to their professional responsibilities and thanked the Commissioner for the award which, he said, “is not only a sign of appreciation but a motivation for journalists to do their jobs with greater dexterity and more professionalism”.

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