Anambra was currently experiencing significant infrastructure development across various sectors, describing the state as “a construction site” in which journalists had an important role to play
By Moses Okorie
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has assured journalists in the state of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and healthcare needs.
Soludo gave the assurance on Thursday at the grand finale of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council’s 35th anniversary celebration in Awka.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, the governor urged journalists to uphold responsible, factual and development-oriented reporting in their coverage of government activities.
He said Anambra was currently experiencing significant infrastructure development across various sectors, describing the state as “a construction site” in which journalists had an important role to play.
“To a reasonable extent, Anambra is a construction site and journalists are part of the success story,” he said.
Soludo also promised to consider the NUJ’s request for affordable healthcare for journalists, noting that the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme was available to residents at an annual premium of N12,000.
He said the scheme allowed residents to access healthcare interventions, except for certain conditions, including cancer.
The governor said his administration would work with the NUJ State Chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka, and the council to explore group enrolment for journalists across the state.
On the role of the media in a democracy, Soludo described journalism as an indispensable institution, noting that it was specifically recognised in the 1999 Constitution with the responsibility of holding government accountable.
“In a democracy, journalism is irreplaceable. Democracy is a marathon, not a dash.
“Nigerian democracy is still evolving and journalists must play their role,” he said.
He, however, appealed to journalists to exercise responsibility in reporting sensitive issues, particularly those capable of generating tension or unrest.
The governor urged media practitioners to report the truth without resorting to sensationalism, stressing that the choice of words could influence public reaction to events.
“When you say ‘people were killed’ and when you say ‘people were massacred’, there is a difference.
“That is all government is pleading for: report responsibly,” he said.
Soludo congratulated the NUJ Anambra Council on 35 years of existence, observing that the council was established in the same year as Anambra State.
He assured journalists of the state government’s support and urged them to approach the government whenever they encountered challenges.
Earlier, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, urged journalists to remain factual and responsible in their reportage to ensure that people in positions of authority were held accountable.
Yahya commended the Anambra Council for sustaining its activities for 35 years and encouraged members to give greater attention to development reporting and issues affecting the socio-economic stability of the state.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and former Chairman of the Anambra NUJ, Victor Agusiobu, traced the council’s history from 1991 to 2026.
He said the council had maintained an unbroken democratic process over the past 35 years and urged journalists to remain committed to quality journalism despite the challenges facing the profession.
Another former chairman of the council, Henry Nwasike, also commended Anambra journalists for their resilience and urged them to focus more on issues capable of contributing to national development.
The Public Relations Officer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a staff member of The Sun Newspaper, Aloy Attah, called for accurate reporting across sectors, particularly security and the economy.
The anniversary celebration also featured the presentation of awards to 28 individuals recognised for their contributions to journalism and societal development.
Chief Martin Nwabueze, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community development advocate from Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area, was honoured as the 2026 Anambra NUJ Man of the Year.
Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, Commissioner for Petroleum and Fellow of the Geological Society of London, received the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year, Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Public Service Award.
Other award recipients included Mrs Chinyere-Fessy Okoye, Manager, News/Current Affairs, NTA Channel 5, Awka, who received the Outstanding Professional Service Award.
Dr Dennis Ekemezie, Chairman, Council of Fellows, NIPR, Anambra State Chapter, received the Long-Term Professional Service Award, while Mr Benjamin Emoka, Founder and Chairman of Lilymo Humanitarian Foundation, was honoured with the Humanitarian Service Award for his contributions to education, healthcare, welfare, mental health and youth empowerment.