COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF JUNE CONGRESS OF THE NUJ, ANAMBRA STATE COUNCIL ON 6TH JUNE NUJ SECRETARIAT COMPLEX AWKA

The June congress presided over by Chairman, NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, JP deliberated on so many issues and resolved as follows:

Congress appreciates the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for absorbing National Light Newspapers workers to various ministries and agencies of government before shutting down the organization, but reiterated it’s appeal to the Governor to as a matter of good governance and dividends of democracy to graduates of Journalism and Media related courses, set in motion processes to establish a brand new digital National Light Newspapers that will meet the 21st century demands of offering employment and returns on investment in services delivery and ameliorate running cost.
Congress is excited on the processes that have been put in place for immediate discourses and plans for a democratic set up at the local government areas across 21 local government areas in Anambra State.
Congress frowns at the continued show of shame of some people claiming to be journalists at events in the name of journalists. The Council insists that known members of the journalism profession known as journalists won’t harass people at events for money or food, no matter the level of deprivation or hunger, bearing in mind that journalism is a noble profession not for touts. Congress therefore requests the public to assist NUJ by ignoring unknown entities masquerading themselves as journalists at burials and events. And if possible, order for their arrests, for their true identities to be unmasked.
Congress notes with nostalgia the sacrifices and selfless disposition of a born philanthropist, Mr Godwin Ezeemo of Umuchu, Aguata local government area of Anambra State for building the unique Godwin Ezeemo International Press center, NUJ Secretariat Complex Awka for journalists and pray God to remember him specially on all fronts. Congress notes it’s desire to institute “Godwin Ezeemo Day” every November to honour his benevolence to the union but regretted he hasn’t shown approval to that effect.
Congress reminds all those qualified to practice Journalism in Anambra State to identify with the union and of course, be in good financial standing to avoid embarrassing situations in months to come, even as it warned people setting up media organizations to hire only certified members as non-certified members have constituted nuisance in the field of practice.
Congress hails the appointment of Prof Joseph Ikechebelu as the Acting Vice-Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and assured him of support while urging him to nip in the bud all avenues of extortion from students, applauding his pro students and workers policy, being adopted as his vision for the university. Congress therefore congratulated him on the appointment, urging all those around him to support him to succeed.
Congress frowns at the unwarranted attacks on innocent citizens by non state actors as well as rising violent crimes in the state and appealed to the state security agencies to rise to the occasion to minimize incessant loss of lives and property in the state.
Congress while commending Governor Soludo of Anambra State on improved roads infrastructure, appealed him to look into strategic roads as well as do a palliative on the failed ones.
Congress requests communities in the flood-prone areas to strictly adhere to early warnings from NIMET and other agencies about the impending flood and urge Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to be at alert to save lives in case of eventuality.