ACSPN Holds Maiden Empowerment Series 2022 In Awka.

Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, ACSPN, Anambra State Chapter has held its maiden Empowerment Series 2022 in Awka.

The event, held at the Godwin Ezemo International Press Center, Awka, was attended by communication scholars, professionals and students.

while addressing the gathering, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu described the theme of the empowerment programme “Stemming the Tide of Insecurity in Nigeria: Role of The Media” as apt considering the fact that insecurity is rife in Nigeria and it is incumbent on the media to stem the tide by properly applying the vital tenets of information, education and entertainment.

The Information Commissioner explained that there is need to use the courts to control unprofessional journalists, who perpetuate the spread of fake news on the social media as a way of reducing insecurity.

In his speech, the National President of the association, Professor Umaru Pate, who spoke through the South East Vice President of ACSPN, Professor Ifeyinwa Nsude, while pronouncing the theme as essential because of the present level of insecurity in the country, explained that the media, in line with its avowed responsibilities of informing, educating and entertaining the public, have been in the vanguard of reporting and proffering solutions on how to stem the tide of insecurity.

In his opening remark, the presidential candidate of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, who was the chairman on the occasion, commended the efforts of the association in coming up with the empowerment programme and stressed the role and importance of the media in ensuring security of lives and property in the country.

Earlier in her address, the state chairman of the association, Mrs. Ify Obi, who appreciated all present at the event said the association is an umbrella body of academics and practitioners in the communication industry with the aim of supporting the growth of communication scholarship, training and practice in Nigeria.

A board member of the association and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University Awka, Professor Stella Okunna thanked God for the fit the association has achieved and urged journalists to rise up to the challenge of insecurity through their reports, bearing in mind the ethics of the profession to help government and the people experience security consciousness.

Others present at the event were the Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, represented by Professor Harry Obi-Nwosu, Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Honnourable Don Onyenji, Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Mr. Chido Obidiegwu, former Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Kate Omenugha, and APGA State Chairman, Sir Norbert Obi, represented by Mr. Emma Adibe among others.