Governor Soludo Supports Journalists' Welfare and Calls for Responsible Reporting

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has promised that the state government will support journalists’ welfare and health.

Mr Soludo made this promise at the grand finale of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council’s 35th anniversary in Awka on Thursday.

The governor asked media practitioners in the state to focus on responsible and development-driven reporting of government activities.

Represented by Law Mefor, the Anambra commissioner for information and value reformation, Mr Soludo shared that Anambra is currently experiencing "massive" infrastructure development across all sectors.

"To a reasonable extent, Anambra is a construction site and journalists are part of the success story," he said.

Mr Soludo also promised to look into the request for affordable healthcare for journalists in the state. He mentioned that the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme is available to all residents for just N12,000 annually.

The governor explained that any resident can access health services, with a few exceptions like cancer treatments.

He added that the government would collaborate with the NUJ State Chairman, Odogwu Emeka, and the council to explore group enrollment for journalists in the state.

Journalism's Role

Speaking about the media's role, Mr Soludo pointed out that journalism is the only profession mentioned in the 1999 Constitution that has the specific job to hold government accountable.

"In a democracy, journalism is irreplaceable. Democracy is a marathon, not a dash. Nigerian democracy is still evolving and journalists must play their role," he stated.

He also called for responsible reporting, warning against sensationalism that could lead to chaos in society.

"Journalism practice expects that journalists must report the truth, but is there a way the truth should be reported so that it does not cause mayhem?"

He added, "When you say ‘people were killed’ and when you say ‘people were massacred’, there is a difference. That is all government is pleading for: report responsibly," Mr Soludo said.

He praised the NUJ Anambra for 35 years of growth, noting that the council was founded the same year as the state. He assured journalists of the government’s support and encouraged them to reach out whenever they faced challenges.

Earlier, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, urged journalists in the state to report responsibly and factually to hold people accountable for their actions.

He praised the state council for its strength over 35 years and advised them to focus more on reporting development and socio-economic stability in the state.

Victor Agusiobu, a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and former chairman of Anambra NUJ, shared the history of the Anambra council from 1991 to 2026.

Mr Agusiobu mentioned that the state council has enjoyed an unbroken democratic process for 35 years and encouraged journalists to keep pushing for quality journalism despite challenges.

Also speaking, Henry Nwasike, a former chairman of the Anambra State Council, commended journalists in the state for standing strong for 35 years. He urged them to focus more on reporting issues that would benefit the nation.

Aloy Attah of the Sun newspaper and current Public Relations Officer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was also at the event. He advised journalists to report accurately in all areas, including security and the economy.

The 2026 event recognized 28 awardees for their contributions to journalism and society.

Martin Nwabueze was honored as Anambra NUJ 2026 Man of the Year. He is a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community development advocate from Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Charles Ofoegbu, commissioner for Petroleum and a fellow of the Geological Society of London, received the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year, Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Public Service Award.

Other awardees included Chinyere-Fessy Okoye, an award-winning broadcast journalist who received the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Professional Service Award.

Dennis Ekemezie, chairman of the Council of Fellows, NIPR, Anambra State Chapter, got the NUJ Anambra Long-Term Professional Service Award.

Benjamin Emoka, founder/chairman of Lilymo Humanitarian Foundation, was honored with the 2026 NUJ Anambra Humanitarian Service Award. He has distinguished himself in areas like education, healthcare, welfare, and youth empowerment.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ephraim Ikeakor, pioneer Bishop of the Diocese of Amichi, Anglican Communion, was the keynote speaker at the 2026 NUJ 35th anniversary.

Mr Ikeakor said journalism is a calling and not just a job. He urged journalists to always report the truth fearlessly to improve society.

"If journalists cannot report the truth then they have no business being journalists," he said.

He advised journalists who cannot report the truth to leave the profession and work for politicians instead.

"Be ready to report the truth or pull out of the system. The best article is not the one well written but the one well colored with truth. Journalism is a call. That is why you are in service to help society and individuals to be well informed," he said.