The Chief of Staff to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, has commended the media for contributing to the smooth and successful conduct of the Nov. 8 governorship election in the state.
Ezeajughi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, gave the commendation at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, end-of-year event held in Awka.
He described the Correspondents’ Chapel as a key partner in the state government’s solution agenda.
According to him, the media played a crucial role through responsible and balanced reportage, especially in the build-up to the election.
“The media constituency is important to the Solution Government in Anambra and we should continue to sustain this healthy relationship.
“You did not suppress the truth; rather, you went beyond mere reporting.
“Your objective reportage, particularly in the build-up to the governorship election, enabled residents to make responsible choices on who to vote for.
“Your efforts also contributed to the peaceful atmosphere the state enjoyed before, during and after the election,” he added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the media for collaborating with the police to ensure a high level of security during and after the election.
“You contributed significantly to the level of security enjoyed during and after the election and even now in the Yuletide season through your reportage,” Orutugu said.
In his remarks, the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, assured that the state government would continue to strengthen its relationship with the Correspondents’ Chapel.
“We do not take your role for granted. You have projected Gov. Soludo’s policies effectively and he is gaining recognition across the world,” Aburime said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Chief Chuks Ilozue, said the event provided an opportunity for members to appreciate God for His faithfulness and mercy despite challenges in the year.
He appreciated individuals who supported the family of a deceased member of the chapel, late Alphonsus Nweze, who died in a road crash.
He however, appealed to the state government to assist the bereaved family and support the chapel in repairing its bus that was also involved in the accident.
“But in everything, we give thanks. We were not deterred by negative forces that attempted to cripple us. Instead, the chapel blossomed, with members winning awards at both state and national levels,” he said.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to winners of the Correspondents’ Chapel Media Merit Award instituted by a philanthropist and supporter of the chapel.
Mr Aloysius Attah of The Sun Newspapers emerged winner of the award, while Mr Emma Elekwa of The Nation Newspapers and Mr Emma Uzor of The Sun Newspapers emerged first and second runners-up, respectively.
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Members of the award 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 feanyi Okeoma; and the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituencies, Prof. Lilian Orogbu.
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