The Greater Awgu Media Professionals (GAMP), on Thursday, 20th November, 2025 held a distinguished ceremony in honour of Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council.
The event attracted leading voices in media, governance, academia, and community development, centred on the theme “The Role of Media in Community Development.”
Delivering the keynote address, respected academic and communication scholar Prof. Sunny Udeze highlighted that there is no development without the media, there is no communication without the media.
He stated that African development is only possible when there is a radical breakthrough from the forces of Europe when he cited Walter Rodney’s work “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.”
He noted that the transformative potential of the media in shaping informed communities, encouraging participatory governance, and amplifying developmental initiatives at the grassroots cannot be overemphasized. He urged journalists to remain objective, ethical, and people-focused in their reportage.
The ceremony was also a moment of honour for prominent community leaders, as Benson Orah, a dynamic entrepreneur and venture capitalist, who also doubles as the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman, Greater Awgu Leadership Forum Nigeria, received a meritorious award in recognition of his role in media industry, service to the people and his contributions to youth empowerment and local development.
The award was presented by their illustrious son and Patron, Greater Awgu Media Professionals, Uchenna Cyril Anioke,PhD, who eulogized and commended Ben Orah for his contributions and good work to the media profession and humanity.
Also present was the Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Lloyd Ekweremadu, who delivered a goodwill message applauding the media for its crucial role in policy advocacy, youth engagement, and community mobilization.
“Media is a noble one,referred to as the fourth rem in government.The media holds government to account. Indeed, the media is a collective mouthpiece. I want to thank you personally for receiving and celebrating our brother, it shows brotherhood,” he stated.
The office of the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Senator Osita Ngwu, was represented by Dr. Luke Mgbo, who commended the organizers for sustaining platforms that foster intellectual growth and civic awareness.
The event drew a rich mix of seasoned professionals, including Dr. Obinna Innocent (representing Bishop Ekweremadu), former NUJ Chairman Comrade Arum, Prof. Chukwuemeka Obasi, Mrs. Ngozi Ngene, Dr. Chikezie Obasi, Secretary of the Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (Enugu State Chapter), Ikechukwu Eze, Chijioke Ogbodo, among other dignitaries and partners of the Greater Awgu Media community.
In his appreciation, Comrade Ogbuka expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, while reaffirming the NUJ’s commitment to strengthening community journalism and promoting narratives that foster peace, development, and connectivity across Enugu State.
The ceremony ended with renewed calls for deeper synergy between the media and community actors to accelerate development across Greater Awgu and its environs.
