Legacy Recognition: NUJ Enugu to Honour Former Governor Ugwuanyi with Hall of Fame Induction
The Enugu State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has concluded plans to induct former Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, into its Hall of Fame in recognition of what it described as his outstanding and historic contributions to journalism development in the state.
The induction ceremony will hold during the 2025 Press Week of the Council, slated for December 4, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. This year’s Press Week is themed “National Unity and Good Governance: The Role of the Media.”
Announcing the programme in a statement, the Council Chairman, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, said the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will deliver the keynote address, while former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, will chair the event. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is expected as Special Guest of Honour, with Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, serving as Chief Host.
Ogbuka stated that Ugwuanyi’s selection followed an exhaustive review of his interventions in strengthening the media sector during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. According to him, the former governor undertook landmark projects that significantly elevated the standard of journalism practice in the state.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the rehabilitation and full modernization of the NUJ Press Centre, Enugu — a project the Union described as “the most substantial investment in NUJ infrastructure in the state’s history.” The former governor also donated a new bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel, sponsored journalists on pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and facilitated capacity-building trainings within and outside the state.
In what the Council termed a “transformative decentralization effort,” Ugwuanyi’s administration also constructed a new Press Centre in Nsukka, providing journalists outside the state capital with a modern and conducive workplace.
Beyond infrastructure, the NUJ commended the former governor’s humility, openness, and respectful engagement with the media community, which it said helped foster a healthier government–press relationship throughout his tenure.
“Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi consistently demonstrated a deep appreciation of the media as a vital pillar of democracy and development,” the Council said.
“For his historic infrastructural support, steadfast commitment to press freedom and welfare, and a legacy that continues to uplift practitioners, the Enugu State Council of the NUJ hereby inducts him into its Hall of Fame this 4th day of December 2025.”
The Council added that other distinguished personalities who have excelled in their fields will also receive honours as part of activities marking the annual Press Week — a period used by journalists to appraise leadership, assess governance, and review the Union’s progress.
Members of the public, stakeholders, and media professionals are invited to attend the ceremony.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
