Correspondents’ Chapel lauded for role in peaceful Anambra governorship election

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, has praised the media for its vital role in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the November 8 governorship election in the State.

Ezeajughi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, gave the commendation during the end-of-year event of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, held in Awka.

He described the Correspondents’ Chapel as a critical partner in the Soludo administration’s Solution Agenda, noting that the media contributed significantly through responsible, objective, and balanced reportage, particularly in the lead-up to the election.

According to him, the media did not suppress the truth but went beyond routine reporting to provide accurate information that enabled residents to make informed choices at the polls. He added that such professionalism helped to sustain the peaceful atmosphere witnessed before, during, and after the election.

“The media constituency is very important to the Solution Government in Anambra, and we must continue to nurture this healthy relationship,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended journalists for their collaboration with security agencies, noting that their reportage contributed to the high level of security enjoyed during the election and throughout the Yuletide season.

In his remarks, the Governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, assured the Correspondents’ Chapel of the State government’s continued partnership, acknowledging the role of the media in projecting Governor Soludo’s policies locally and internationally.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Chief Chuks Ilozue, said the gathering was an opportunity for members to thank God for His faithfulness despite the challenges faced during the year. He expressed appreciation to individuals who supported the family of a late member of the chapel, Mr. Alphonsus Nweze, who died in a road accident.

Ilozue appealed to the State government to assist the bereaved family and support the chapel in repairing its bus, which was also involved in the accident. He noted, however, that the chapel remained resilient and recorded notable achievements, including members winning awards at State and National levels.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Correspondents’ Chapel Media Merit Award. Mr. Aloysius Attah of Sun Newspapers emerged as the winner, while Mr. Emma Elekwa of The Nation and Mr. Emma Uzor of Sun Newspapers emerged first and second runners-up, respectively.

Members of the award’s judging panel—Prof. Angela Nwanmuo, Sir Victor Agusiobo, and Chief Gab Okpaleze—earlier outlined the criteria used in selecting the winners.

Awards were also presented to Mr. Christian Aburime; CP Ikioye Orutugu; the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okeoma; and the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituencies, Prof. Lilian Orogbu.