Gov. Ugwuanyi charges media on responsible, vibrant journalism
By Ikechukwu Odu
NSUKKA —-The Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, yesterday, urged journalists to recommit themselves to responsible and vibrant journalism for societal development.
He made the charge when he inaugurated a new Press Centre he built for the members of Nsukka Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Enugu State chapter.
“This Press Centre was built in fulfilment of our promise to provide conducive work environment for the members of Nsukka Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Enugu State chapter.
“We are grateful to God for affording us the enablement to fulfill our promises. It is our expectation that this Chapel will inspire journalists in Nsukka extraction to recommit themselves to responsible and vibrant journalism in pursuit of a better society for us.
“I therefore inaugurate the newly constructed Nsukka Press Centre, thank you and God bless you,” he said.
While lauding the Governor for the gesture, the Chairman of NUJ in Enugu State, Comrade Sam Udekwe, said he demonstrated that there is friendly relationship between Enugu State Government and journalists in the state.
He described Governor Ugwuanyi as the most media-friendly governor in the history of the state, adding that the relationship between journalists and his administration has been rancour-free since inception.
Comrade Udekwe, who further said that democracy is driven by the Fourth Estate of the Realm, also charged members of NUJ in Nsukka to be diligent and committed to their duties and to conduct their activities within the ambit of the laws, rules and regulations establishing the press.
He also urged them to employ maintenance culture to ensure that the aim of establishing the Press Centre is not defeated.
Also, in his thank you message to the Governor, the Chairman of Nsukka Federated Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ike Okenyi, said “Your Excellency sir, it is not an exaggeration in any manner or design to say that God has used you to liberate, resuscitate and elevate the age-long crippling and crawling of this very Chapel. It may interest you to know that the legendary Zik of Africa, the doyen of Nigeria Press and Founder of the West Africa Pilot, a reputable Newspaper that championed the course of liberating Nigeria from the clog of colonialism, was among the founding members of this Chapel. Comrade Dingwuoke, from Obimo, who worked with the Newspaper was also an active member.
“The list is endless but the truth of the matter is that all through the period till 2020, this chapel could not have a functional office or secretariat. During the era of Samuel Ezeugwu and Kassidy Uchendu (both of blessed memory), we sat under the mango trees, here in the Sports Club to have our monthly meetings and deliberations, under the sun and under rain. It was pathetic and sympathetic!,” he said.
The Press Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Photo:
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, cutting the tape to inaugurate the new Press Centre in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday.
