LEGACY AWARD: IMO NUJ HONOURS VETERAN JOURNALISTS
Reporter : CHIKA EWURUM
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has charged the media to uphold standard and professionalism in their news reportage.
The Governor gave the charge at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State Council 2020 Legacy Award, which took place in Owerri.
Governor Uzodinma, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Declan Emelumba, tasks journalists in the state to be fair and objective in their reportage.
He noted that his administration was not against criticism but that it should be done constructively and where necessary.
According to the Governor, in a bid the support the media, the state newspaper and broadcast outfit had been given a facelift.
He added that the state government would organize an award for outstanding journalists of different categories in the state in 2021.
“We have refurbished the Imo Newspapers Limited (The Statesman) to the level of daily publication.
“The State Government will organise a media award in the categories of best photojournalist, news reporter, feature writer and other categories that will be decided by the organizers next year,” he stated.
Radio Nigeria veterans in the journalism profession, Mr. Emma Okere and Mr. Basil Ogbuji (who both retired at FRCN HeartLand Fm, Owerri) were among the list of about 30 recipients of the NUJ Legacy Award.
Mr. Emma Okere who received the award from the State NUJ Chairman, commended the organizers of the event for finding them worthy of such honour.
“I’m surprised that people like us can be remembered even when we have officially left the stage,” Okere said.
Mr. Okere reiteritated his continual support to nurture the young ones in the profession.
Meanwhile, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Chris Akaraonye, explained that the award was in recognition of their continual practice of journalism despite their retirement.
“We considered their tireless efforts in the profession. They have retired but still practicing journalism,” the Chairman noted.
He acknowledged the impact of the veterans to the society and to humanity.
Comrade Akaraonye recalled that the programme was initiated 7 years ago by the then NUJ Chairman, Chief Innocent Igwe and then made it a 7 year memorable event for the Union in Imo state.
The event under the chairmanship of Mr. Frank Ojukwu had some prominent persons, including Dr. Sam Amadi and Professor Protus Uzoma, who made paper presentations on burning issues affecting the country.
The presentations were entitled “Democracy, Leadership and the Future of Nigeria and South East;” and the “Rotational Presidency: A critic of Equity in Nigeria Democracy.”