Fides Media Living the Faith
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, KSJI, recently chaired the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council’s Veterans and Patrons Day Ceremony held at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Behind CBN, Awka.
The ceremony was preceded by a lecture delivered by the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NAU, Awka, Professor Cornelius Ukwueze, KSJI, with the State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Sir Joseph Uchendu (Nnanyelugo) as a discussant.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Nwafor, who doubles as the Chairman of Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), Anambra State Council, described Journalists, especially those practicing in Anambra State, as true agenda setters and information bearers, stating that the role of Journalists in the development of any nation could not be overemphasized.
The Labour leader who took his time to appreciate the leadership of NUJ, Anambra State led by Comrade Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, stated that he was overwhelmed with joy, seeing how journalists rallied round their own, noticing that he was impressed with the way and manner the Union waded into the National Light staff matter with the Anambra State Government and how they were able to ensure that none of the affected staff was left in the cold.
‘I so much love this profession. This is the only profession that, so long as you have a sound mind, you’ll continue to practice. It has no limit. I’m happy we are here to celebrate these veterans who have contributed immensely towards the uplift of the journalism profession. They are retired but not tired. It is a wonderful profession and I’m happy to chair this auspicious occasion.
‘We have many affiliate unions in NLC but we hold NUJ in high esteem. We do not joke with the Journalists in Anambra State. They are doing a lot. This administration is really powering. They are proactive, prepared and adventurous,’ he said.
Comrade Nwafor while eulogizing the journalists thanked the Government of Anambra State led Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the Subsidy removable palliatives to Anambrarians, even as he said that they (Anambra Workers) were expecting something better and satisfying from the government.
‘We want something better. We will continue to engage the government for a robust and a better welfare package for civil servants in the state. We have been to restore lasting peace across all the labour affiliate members and we’ll continue to ensure that it is sustained.
Comrade Nwafor urged journalists to always be objective in their reportage and avoid telling a one-sided story. ‘Balance your reports. Ndi Anambra are looking up to you. Ensure you dig up the truth and lay it bare for all to see,’ he appealed.