Nsukka Development: NJF Honours Prince-Henry Hart, Uzo-Uwani Chair, Others for Outstanding Service
Two illustrious sons of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Barr Chijioke Joseph Ezugwu and Engr Prince-Henry Hart Ucheonwu, have been honoured by the Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF) for their contributions to public service, leadership and community development.
The duo were among prominent personalities from the Nsukka Cultural Zone who received awards at the 2026 Annual Convention and lecture of the NJF, held on Friday in Nsukka.
While Ezugwu, Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, the award of “Excellence in Peace, Security and Community Development” , Prince-Henry Hart, an APC chieftain and oil-sector management expert, got the award of “NJF Icon of Excellence and Humanitarian Service”.
Other awardees included the member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo, and former member representing Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, Dr Pat Oziokoja Asadu.
Ezugwu, who was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser on Media, Chief Kingsley Onyeji, expressed appreciation to the NJF, describing the recognition as a call to greater responsibility.
He pledged to continue working with stakeholders to improve the welfare of the people of Uzo-Uwani and contribute to the development of the wider Nsukka Cultural Zone.
“This award is not merely an honour; it is a reminder that public service is a responsibility to the people. I sincerely appreciate the Nsukka Journalists Forum for finding our modest efforts worthy of recognition,” he said.
Ezugwu also commended the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, saying its development initiatives had created a stronger environment for local governments and communities to pursue grassroots development.
According to him, the governor’s emphasis on infrastructure, education, security, healthcare and economic development was contributing to the transformation of communities across the state.
He said his administration would continue to collaborate with the state government, the media and other stakeholders in translating the benefits of government programmes into tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
“We shall continue to pursue initiatives that will translate into tangible improvements in the lives of our people. We are also committed to deepening our partnership with the media because credible journalism remains an important instrument for development and accountability,” he added.
On his part, Prince-Henry Hart described the award as a “rare and highly valued recognition”, saying it had imposed a greater responsibility on him to contribute more to the development of his people.
“I receive this honour with profound gratitude and humility. It is a rare recognition, and I hold it in very high esteem. For me, however, the greatest value of an award is the responsibility it creates to do more,” he said.
Hart also commended Governor Mbah’s administration for what he described as its visible interventions in infrastructure and other sectors of the state economy.
He said the administration’s development agenda had demonstrated the importance of strategic investment in infrastructure, human capital and economic opportunities, noting that the impact was being felt across different parts of Enugu State.
Recent records released by the state government indicate extensive road construction and reconstruction, investments in education and healthcare, transport infrastructure and other development projects under the Mbah administration.
Hart said the development momentum should be sustained, while calling for greater attention to the economic potential of the Nsukka Cultural Zone.
“This recognition has challenged me to redouble my efforts in areas where I can contribute meaningfully to the development of our people, particularly in Uzo-Uwani and the entire Nsukka Cultural Zone,” he said.
He specifically highlighted the economic potential of Igga, his community, which hosts significant oil resources that contributed to Enugu State attaining oil-producing status.
“Nsukka Cultural Zone has enormous human and material resources. Our challenge is to transform these potentials into sustainable economic opportunities.
“Igga, for instance, has enormous oil resources, and this has contributed to Enugu State attaining oil-producing status. We must begin to look at this development not merely as a source of revenue, but as an opportunity for infrastructure, employment, skills development and sustainable investment,” he said.
Hart pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, responsible investment and the development of communities across the zone.
The chairman of NJF, Mr Benson Whyte Ezugwu, reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to responsible journalism, accountability, development and constructive engagement among stakeholders, urging the award recipients to regard the honours as sincere recognition of their efforts towards development of the area and renewed calls to service.
The chairman further stressed that sustained development of the Nsukka Cultural Zone would require stronger collaboration among political leaders, professionals, traditional institutions, the private sector and the media.
The Head of Service, Enugu State, Dr Godwin Anigbo was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Office of the Head of Service, Dr Ogbonna Idike, who outlined the programmes and policies of the state government targeted at inclusive and sustainable development of all parts of the state, including the Nsukka cultural zone and called for unity of purpose among the people of the area, especially the leaders.
The event chaired by former Commissioner in Enugu state and Nsukka development advocate, Dr Mathias Omeh, with the senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Ikeje Asogwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Oscar Ayogu as the special guest of honour, featured an insightful and thought-provoking lecture delivered by an erudite professor and distinguished medical practitioner, Professor Augustine Uchenna Akubue, Founder/President of the Central Washington College of Nursing Sciences Enugu.
The lecture focused on the development of the Nsukka Cultural Zone, with emphasis on purposeful political leadership, strategic investment and effective media engagement as catalysts for unlocking the area’s human and economic potential.
The convention brought together journalists, political leaders, public servants, academics and other stakeholders to deliberate on the challenges and prospects of the zone.
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 at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
