From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
The 2025 edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year Award and Press Week in Anambra State kicks off on Monday, August 25, 2025 with a novelty match between NUJ Anambra State Council, and the Anambra Patriots for Soludo, to be played at the Paul University Field, Awka.
Briefing newsmen on Thursday, August 7, during the August, 2025 Congress of the union, the Chairman, Planning Committee of the 2025 NUJ Man of the Year and Press Week, Comrade Ekpone Francis, also announced other activities lined up for the week.
According to him, on Tuesday, August 26, journalists will embark on a guided tour of landmark projects of the Soludo administration, including Solution Fun City, the Light House, Okpoko Urban Regeneration works, the Oba Drug Market, the Ekwulobia Flyover, and three major dual carriageways currently under construction, among others.
He said that on Wednesday, August 27, there will indoor games such as Whot, Ncho, skipping, scrabble, draft, ludo, and table tennis, with prizes for winners, adding that journalists will visit the Amawbia Correctional Centre to donate items to inmates as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
The grand finale, he said, will take place on Thursday, August 28, at the International Convention Centre, Awka, under the chairmanship of Chief Primus Odili; adding that the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will be the Chief Host.
He said that the theme of this year’s Press Week is: “The Media and Our State Anambra: Reportage in Election Year.”
According to him, the keynote speech at the grand finale would be delivered by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo; while the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, will serve as Special Guest of Honour. He said also that the guest lecturer will be Prof. Angela Nkiru Nwammuo, the Chairperson of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Anambra State Chapter.
This, according to Ekpone, will be followed by a panel discussion by notable discussants including APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa; MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Mr. Christopher Molokwu; Parish Priest of St. Jude Thadeus Catholic Church, Awka, Rev. Fr. Dr. Francis Michael Okechukwu Enyosiobi; and the Chairman of Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) and President of the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), Mr. Chris Azor.
Highlighting the award segment, Comrade Ekpone said that this year’s NUJ Man of the Year Award will be conferred on Arch. Okey Ezeobi, GM/CEO of the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement, who will succeed last year’s receipient, Dr. Anthony Chinedu Umeadi.
Other award recipients will include Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka (Philanthropist of the 21st Century), Hon. Ikechukwu Okafor (Most Inspiring Youth Leader), Hon. Dr. ThankGod Chibuike Anago (Most Outstanding Mayor), Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha (Most Outstanding Youth Leader), and High Chief Emenike Anthony Nwakaeze (Outstanding Community Service Award).
He said that over 2,000 guests, including government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, captains of industries, community leaders, students, etc are also expected to attend the event.
While commending the NUJ Anambra Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and others for their support, Comrade Ekpone urged all members to contribute to making the 2025 Press Week and Award Ceremony a resounding success.