By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, His Grace, Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim, has praised the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its doggedness and contributions to the growth of democracy in the society.

Archbishop Ibezim made the statement at the 100 days in office celebration of the new executive of the Anambra State Council of NUJ led by Dr Emeka Odogwu.

The Archbishop who was represented by an Archdeacon, Ven. Onyinyechukwu Ilione, lamented that some journalists often compromise in the course of their work, but urged them to live up to their responsibilities in the society and embrace honesty and spirit of comradeship in the discharge of their duties.

He called on the union to rally round the State government in its drive to lift the state from its many troubles.

Declaring the event open at the Godwin Ezemoo NUJ International Press Centre, Awka, the Acting Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Gabriel Okpalaeze, who chaired the event, described the 100 days in office as a success.

He said the NUJ leadership in the state has done well and enjoined the leadership to continue to build on the successes they have achieved.

In her speech, the First Female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Paul University, Awka, Professor Stella Okunna, hailed the new leadership of the Council.

While urging them to sustain the zeal and tempo towards moving the Council forward, she said, the “Dr Odogwu-led NUJ leadership in the state has performed well”.

She also gave assurance of her support to Odogwu’s leadership at all times.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Convener, Youths Earnestly Support Soludo, Dr Nelson Omenugha, while commending the Council EXCO’s feat, appealed to NUJ to cue into the programme of the State Government for the betterment of the state.

Omenugha who was a guest for the month's congress appealed for collaboration with the NUJ to empower the youths.

Earlier in his remarks, Emeritus Chairman NUJ Anambra State, Comrade Chief Nathaniel Anigbo, commended the Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu, for restoring unity to the Council.

He also advised him not to relent in carrying members along in all his dealings and affairs.

In his speech, the Anambra NUJ Chairman attributed the success his leadership has recorded so far to the support from members and urged them not to relent.

“I feel great and elated for the support from the members of the Council because without their support, I am a nobody. They gave me so much support, love and attention. We do everything with cordiality and it is visible that the Council is marching forward.

“We have been able to unify the Council’s members in the state and my administration has been able to carry everyone along as promised.

“The love of the Council has been restored. We didn’t coerce anyone to attend the function; members came on their own.

“We have attracted so many goodwill to the Council. We have a brand new bus donated to us by the former Governor Willie Obiano. We have equally attracted some developers and with time, the NUJ Secretariat will be turned around to be what it should be.

“I want Anambra NUJ to take the lead so that others will follow. NUJ is my passion and I want to take it to the next level so that those who would come after me will enjoy,” Odogwu said.

He charged members to shun acts capable of bringing division or truncate the existing peace and unity in the Council.

The event attracted members of the council from across board, as well as religious leaders, scholars, among other dignitaries, including friends and well-wishers of the Council.

Also, representatives of Leadway Insurance Ltd, led by Assistant Branch Manager, Chancel Ukpai, urged the journalists to cue into insurance scheme to protect the wealth they have been able to accumulate in the course of their job.

Former Chairmen of Anambra NUJ who graced the event included Nathaniel Anigbo, Chris Aghanya, Henry Nwasike, Francis Ekpone, and Emma Ifesinachi who is now the Zonal Vice President of the NUJ, among others.

Former Secretaries including Mike Afa, and Emma Uduagha were also present.

Other guests included Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu, Immigration Boss in Anambra, Odikpo Ngozi, represented by O.A. Nweze, a Public Relations guru, Dr Dennis Ekemezie.

Also, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ofiaku Kitchen, Mr Uchenna Okeke, was at the event.