By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Journalists in Anambra State have called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to reconsider the restoration of the closed state-owned National Light Newspaper, urging that it be revamped into a digitally driven, modernized version to meet contemporary standards.
The request was contained in a communique issued at the end of the September Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council, held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, Awka.
According to the communique, the Congress, presided over by the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, noted that the restoration of the newspaper would not only enhance media development in the state but also provide employment opportunities for about 50 individuals. They advised that the revamped version may or may not retain the initial name National Light.
The Congress further passed a vote of confidence on Comrade Obiorah Edogor, PhD, for his resilience and unwavering dedication as the Editor-in-Chief of the NUJ-owned The WatchDog Magazine, which has consistently been published despite financial constraints.
Additionally, the Congress commended Hon. Prof. Oby Orogbu for her philanthropic gesture of donating 15 bags of fertilizer to the Anambra State Council of the NUJ for the 2024 planting season, recognizing her effort to support journalists in the state.
Also, in light of the economic hardship plaguing the country, the Congress called on the state government to introduce palliative measures to alleviate the burden of the high cost of fuel and other necessities on the citizens. The media professionals decried the adverse effects of rising fuel prices, urging the government to act swiftly in cushioning the impact on residents.
On the issue of security, the journalists expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in violent crimes in the state, further urging the state government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity, noting that the situation had reached a troubling and dangerous level.
The Congress also condemned the excessive taxation of businesses by the state’s internal revenue agents. The journalists described what they described as the heavy levies imposed on business owners as harmful to the state’s economic growth and called on the government to address the issue.
On the energy sector and in reaction to the public outcry over the alarming and ever-increasing electricity bill, the Congress called on the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to ensure that all electricity consumers are equipped with prepaid meters, to help citizens manage their electricity consumption better and end the current arbitrary estimated billing system that comes with different unfavourable stories every month.
The Congress went on to endorse nominees for several prestigious awards, including Dr. Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, Agunaechemba Abagana, for the 2024 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award; H.R.M. Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, Ezedioramma III of Alor, as the 2024 NUJ Anambra Philanthropist of the Decade; and Hon. Oliver N. Okennah, Dikemba Ebenebe, for the 2024 NUJ Anambra Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year.
In addition to these, the Congress welcomed the appointment of Dr. Law Mefor as the new Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in Anambra State, while also calling on him to collaborate with the NUJ and journalists across the state to ensure smooth operations and effective communication.
Finally, the Congress described the theme for the 2024 Press Week/Man of the Year ceremony scheduled for November 7, as highly relevant. The theme, “The Media and Trajectories for Anambra State’s Future in a Dwindling Economy”, the Congress acknowledged, beams light on the challenges facing the state’s economic and media landscapes.
Drafted by Comrade Obiorah Edogor, PhD; and Comrade Joseph Egbeocha, the communique was signed by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Chairman, NUJ Anambra State Council; and Comrade Aloysius Ofodile, Secretary of the Council.
