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NUJ Enugu Council to Induct Ugwuanyi into Hall of Fame for Contributions to Journalism
The Enugu State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced that former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, will be inducted into the Union’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his historic and unmatched contributions to journalism development during his administration.
According to a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the induction ceremony will hold during the 2025 NUJ Press Week, scheduled 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.”
Comrade Ogbuka revealed that the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, will deliver the keynote lecture, while former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, will serve as Chairman of the event.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is expected as Special Guest of Honour, while the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, will be the Chief Host.
A Legacy of Unprecedented Media Support
The NUJ noted that Ugwuanyi’s selection followed a comprehensive review of his contributions to journalism across Enugu State. During his two-term administration (2015–2023), the former governor implemented several landmark interventions that significantly strengthened the media ecosystem.
His achievements include:
- Rehabilitation and modernization of the NUJ Press Centre, Enugu hailed by the Union as the highest financial investment in NUJ infrastructure in the history of Enugu State.
- Provision of a new bus for the Correspondents’ Chapel.
- Sponsorship of journalists on pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
- Support for training, workshops, and capacity-building programmes for media professionals.
- Construction of a brand-new Press Centre in Nsukka, offering journalists in the zone a modern and conducive workspace — a move described as a bold decentralization effort and a demonstration of his belief that “every journalist deserves a dignified professional environment.”
Beyond infrastructure, the Union highlighted Ugwuanyi’s humility, accessibility, and respect for journalists, which helped foster a positive working relationship between government and the media throughout his tenure.
“Throughout his tenure, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi demonstrated a deep appreciation of the press as a vital institution for democracy and development,” the statement read.
“For his historic infrastructural support, unwavering commitment to press freedom, and enduring legacy of empowerment, 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 Nigerians who have made notable contributions in various sectors will also be honoured during this year’s Press Week — an annual period when journalists assess national leadership performance and review the Union’s work for the year.
The NUJ Enugu Council invited media professionals, stakeholders, and members of the public to attend the induction ceremony.
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