Journalists have been described as salt, whose services have enthroned growth and development of the society.

 

This was the high point of speeches made during the 2023 Veterans and Patron’s Day Ceremony cum September Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council held at the Godwin Ezemo International Press Center, Awka.

The event, was organised by leadership of the union to appreciate the labour and contribution of veteran journalists over the years, which helped in promoting national unity and cohesion.

 

Speaking during the event, the National President of NUJ, Deacon Chris Isiguzo, represented by the Vice President Zone C, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi, extolled journalists for their doggedness at all times; as according to him, a society that is not informed cannot function well, even as he applauded the Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu-led executive of the union for its various achievements since they assume office, calling on other members of the union to give them maximum support.

The keynote speaker at the event and Head, Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Cornelius Ukwueze traced the origin of Journalism, the pains of the early journalists, and the fate of journalism profession in the country today, regretting that practitioners are poorly paid and called for better package for journalists, whom he said have done very well in informing, educating, entertaining, promoting and uniting the nation.

 

On his part, the discussant at the event and state Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Sir Joseph Uchendu emphasized the need for journalists to be there for one another at all times, as according to him, journalists do not need patrons, rather they should be patrons for themselves, among themselves.

Earlier in an opening remark, the Chairman on the occasion and Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Anambra state council, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, said that NUJ is an active affiliate arm of NLC, urging members to always report objectively, even as he said that journalism is the only profession where practictioners remain active till death, urging them not to relent.

 

In a remark, the Chairman of NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu said he deemed it fit to recognize, celebrate and appreciate veteran journalists for all they did and are still doing to ensure that the society gets better.

 

Comrade Odogwu, while describing journalists as salt of the society, called on government at all levels to pull resources together to support activities of journalists across the country.

Some Veterans journalists including Mrs. Chineze George-Ileka and Mr. Peter Nwagu shared their experiences and joy in serving the nation.

 

The event featured investiture of Chief Azubuike Imoka, Proprietor of “Ozi si Mgbago” media, and Dr. Jane Ezeonu, Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Anambra State chapter as patron and patroness of the union.

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