Senator representing Abia North senatorial zone, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has advised journalists in Nigeria to always do their reportage without fear or favour, noting that the truth one kills might be the truth that will set him free.
He spoke Thursday, in hi dadas opening remarks at the 2025 Press week of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Enugu state council held ar ithe International Conference Centre (ICC) Enu6
The Lawmaker who was represented by the member representing Ezeagu State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Chima Obieze, described the Theme of the event . “National Unity and Good Governance: The Role of The Media”, as apt.
He said, “Generally speaking, no one wants to be exposed when one is not doing the right thing. “At times, the truth you kill is the truth that will set you free.”
Senator Kalu also urged the media practitioners to always lay emphasis on things that unite the country rather than promoting those things that would cause disintegration.
“Understand that there is power in diversity, and, “You must de-emphasise the ecountry out of patriotism and nationalism.
He said the spirit of patriotism and nationalism has always been the guiding light of Americans, hence they see their country first in all the things that they do.
“The Americans have, role to play in achieving that,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of NUJ , Enugu State, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka said the event was to celebrate “ourselves and examine what we have done in 2025 and taking a “critical look at and reviewing the activities of those in government and honour those that deserve it.”
“We’re also using the day to honour the former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his remarkable activities while in office towards the NUJ and members in the state… Today, we are inducting him into the Enugu NUJ Hall of Fame. It’s a way of telling the public that society is watching everybody,” Ogbuka said
The event featured the formal induction of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi into the Enugu NUJ ‘Hall of Fame ’ in recognition of his “distinguished record of service, unparalleled support to the media community, and enduring contributions to journalism in the state.
“Throughout his tenure, Rt. Hon. Dr Ugwuanyi demonstrated a deep appreciation of the press as a vital institution for democracy and development. His administration made the highest financial investment in the history of the NUJ in Enugu State, leading to the extensive renovation and modernization of the NUJ Press Center in Enugu – an achievement widely acknowledged as a transformative milestone for the union,” according to the citation for Ugwuanyi that was read to the audience.
“Equally remarkable was his commitment to decentralizing media infrastructure and strengthening journalism across the State.
‘Under his leadership, a new Press center was constructed for journalists in Nsukka, providing practitioners in the zone with a conducive, functional, and dignified environment for professional engagement,” the citation read.
Responding after receiving the award, the representative of the former Governor and Public affairs analyst, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, said the fact that the NUJ’s honour came when he had left office as a Governor of Enugu, making it even more unique,” Dr. Igboke said.
He said Governor Ugwuanyi, even before he was elected as the governor of A public affairs analyst, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, who represented Ugwuanyi, said the fact that the NUJ’s honour came when Ugwuanyi had left office as Governor was an indication that the press not only watches all of us but they hardly forget who treats them well or otherwise. “The fact that this honour is coming after His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had left office as Governor of Enugu, making it even more unique,” Dr. Igboke said.
Igboke said that Ugwuanyi, even before he was elected as the governor of Enugu State, has always believed that there should be a collaboration or synergy between the government and the fourth estate of the realm to enhance development. “His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi recognises the relevance of the media in any given society such as ours,” he said.
Besides Ugwuanyi, the event witnessed the recognition and honouring of 11 individuals who, NUJ Enugu said, have distinguished themselves in their various services to humanity.
The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Dr. Eric Odo, received the overall Best Chairman of the Year 2025 Award.
Responding after receiving the Best Chairman of the Year Award on: “Champion of Impactful Development Award,” Odo commended the NUJ for identifying numerous projects his government had executed in 2025. He reaffirmed strong commitment to sustaining the rapid development achieved in the area.
He said the award was a call to deepening his administration’s efforts in infrastructure renewal, social services, economic empowerment, and peacebuilding. He said the recognition was not just a personal one but a testament to the collective dedication of his team and the cooperation of the people of Igbo-Etiti.
“My administration remains focused on delivering quality projects that have a direct impact on the people of the council area. “This award is a reminder that the work we are doing in Igbo-Etiti is visible, appreciated, and impactful.
“But more importantly, it challenges us to do even more for our people. I want to assure the people of Igbo-Etiti that this recognition will not make us relax but strengthen my resolve to continue delivering credible, measurable, and inclusive development across every community.
“We are committed to sustaining our investments in water, education, health, social welfare, rural infrastructure, and rural road interventions across various communities. These are the foundations of human development, and we will not relent until every community feels the full impact.”
The recognition by the NUJ reinforces his resolve to pursue even more people-centred projects and consolidate on the positive transformation already taking shape in Igbo-Etiti, according to the council chairman.
Odo further said: “I deeply appreciate the Nigeria Union of Journalists for finding me worthy of this honour. It is a motivation for service, and I dedicate it to the hardworking people of Igbo-Etiti, whose support has made our progress possible.”
The awardees included Deputy Speaker, Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency; Chairman of Igbo-Eze South, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze; Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, Executive Chairman, Enugu East LGA; a media personality and Chairman, Enugu State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Barr. Nana Ogbodo and the Executive Chairman, Awgu LGA, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo.
Other awardees were Dr. Kingsley Adonu, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder/CEO of SMobile Group; an oil magnet, Chief Anyim Godwin Ezebuilo – Managing Director of New Global Mighty Petroleum Ltd; Chief Surv. Osita Achi, the CEO of FITOBricks and former Managing Director, Enugu State Housing Development Cooperation, Prince Paul Nnaji
