Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, says effective coverage and reportage of events by journalists, especially programmes and activities of government, have helped to keep citizens informed.

 

He stated this at the 2022 cultural festival organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State chapter, in collaboration with Anambra State Ministries of Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs.

 

The Governor, speaking through his Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne, promised full government support to future editions of the festival.

 

Also in his speech, the state Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji, restated the Soludo administration’s efforts at promoting culture and tourism, and called for support of all.

 

In his paper presentation on “Igbo in the media: Averting the extinction of Igbo language”, Dr. Ekene Okafor of Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, called for a standard media lexicon or glossary on Igbo language for media use.

 

He said this will help address the problem of dialectical variations and misinterpretation that arise in the process of media reportage in Igbo language, as well as guide editors, reporters and presenters in bringing out the beauty of Igbo language in the media.

 

Dr. Okafor equally called on broadcast media in the Southeast to designate some number of hours for programmes in Igbo language, suggesting the programmes encompass various aspects of the regular schedule.

 

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State chapter, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Nneka Anoliefo said the event, aimed at promoting Igbo culture and tradition, will be sustained.

 

They called for government attention to various needs of the union in the state.

 

Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha, reports that the event, held at Godwin Ezeemo NUJ International Press Centre Awka, has as its theme, “Reviving the prestige of the traditional institution in Igboland”, and featured iwa ji, display of masquerades and other side attractions, with the traditional ruler of Okpuno, Igwe Sunday Okafor, as royal father of the day, and Amos Nkwuda, as representative of non-indigenes in the state.