By: Ike Philip Abiagom
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Association of Community Newspaper Publishers Of Nigeria (ACNPN),Delta State Council held their annual lecture/award ceremony recently at Nigeria Union Of Journalists(NUJ) Press Centre along Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State, top security practitioners, business executives, politicians, traditional rulers and many others from different walks of life graced the annual lecture/award ceremony of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers Of Nigeria (ACNPN), which held on Thursday, November 31, 2023.
The Chairman,2023 ACNPN Publishers Week Lecture/Award Organising Committee, Mr. Ike Philip Abiagom, stated that this year theme “Co-operative Society, Model Palliative for Self- Reliance, Economic Growth and Industrialization”, and ”The Role of Media, Building Synergy Between the Government And Grassroots For Effective Service Delivery” were delivered by the Internal Auditor of Federal Cooperative College Oji-River, Enugu State, Pst. Okeze Idowu and Senior Policy Adviser to Governor of Delta State, Rt(Hon) Funkekeme Solomon. He added that over the years, ACNPN through its annual lecture has provided the platform for issues of national importance to be discussed and solutions proffered, which has invariably assisted the authorities in taking some policy decisions. This year, he opined the objectives would not be different and it certainly wasn’t.
The State Chairman, Association Of Community Newspaper Publishers Of Nigeria (ACNPN),Delta State Council, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego, set the tone for the day.
“I humbly welcome you all to this year’s edition of our 2023 Publishers Media Lecture/Award, one of the major events of our Annual Press Week.
“It is an occasion for us to recall our major landmarks, roll out the drums, celebrate excellence and wine and dine with the awardees, invited guests, senior colleagues and colleagues.
“It is a day we tell ourselves that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
“This is the fifth in the series of Press Week that this administration, ably led by my humble self, will be celebrating,” Obiemenyego revealed.
Giving a goodwill message, he advised journalists to report more on the happenings at the grassroots as many people at that level are suffering and their plight needs to be reported to elicit positive response from appropriate quarters.
Delving into the main business for the day, after the lecture by the speakers, the music band thrilled the audience with soothing songs as the ACNPN Awards presentation got underway. Accompanied by dignitaries and well wishers to the stage, the Awardees took turns to receive their Awards.
The first category of Award recipients were individuals who have written their names in gold as a result of their giant strides and accomplishments.
Mr Reginald Bayoko, Head of Service, Delta State, Hon. James Augoye, of Okpe Constituency, Delta State House of Assembly, ACP Ademola Adebayo, Hon. Barr. Possible Solomon Ajede , Chairman, Ukwuani L.G.A made the list.
Other Award recipients were HRM Obi (Dr)Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, Mr Samuel Yohana Kwabe, DPO, Okpanam Police Division, Commandant Suleiman Agboola, High Chief Goddy Aboh and Dr Jerry Agbaike.
The Second category of the Awards celebrated Corporate Organisations of note such as Emmalix Trade and Investment Ltd., Hen- Ric Empire Garden Ltd, Jerry Jay JJJ Ltd., PWAN Group and Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation.
Reacting to the Awards on behalf of the Corporate Organisations, Engr. Emma Ohia, Chairman of Emmalix Trade and Investment Ltd. said the Awards were given to organizations that have performed well in key areas. He pledged the endless commitment and support of the organization to activities of the Association Of Community Newspaper Publishers Of Nigeria (ACNPN),Delta State Council.
On his part, Mr Reginald Bayoko who spoke on behalf of individual Award recipients lauded Association Of Community Newspaper Publishers Of Nigeria (ACNPN),Delta State Council for deeming it fit to honour them as a result of their achievements.
He commended acnpn for living up to expectations and for sustaining the dynamism of unionism in the State.
“Journalists should continue to fight for the masses and the oppressed in the society”, he advised.
The 2023 Publishers Media Lecture/Award was also attended by members Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), ably led by the state Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyovwe.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Royal fathers HRM Amb. Donald Ejechi Ekeruche,Ebu of Umuebu Kingdom and HRM Obi Fredrick Chukwuloe Egbunkonye II ,Igwe Of Abala kingdom , High Chief Charles Okonkwo, the Odogwu of Ibusa, Chairman of Havana Bar and lounge , Hon. Henry Mordi aka ojokojo and Leaders of the Union amongst others.
