By Izunna Okafor, Awka
An 88-year-old veteran journalist and media icon, Chief Odogwu Odoemena, has revealed that one of the secrets behind his exceptional strength, sound health, and long life lies in his unusual daily routine of drinking two cups of his own urine every day.
Chief Odoemena made the revelation during the November Special Congress and Training Summit of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.
The session, themed “Secrets of Success Amidst Challenges in Journalism During Our Time: A Journalist’s Old Age Vibes,” featured the octogenarian veteran as guest speaker, alongside other senior media figures, and also doubled as a birthday celebration for the NUJ Matriarch, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, who was celebrated by members of the Council.
Speaking to the large gathering of journalists, Chief Odoemena, who is a retired Press Secretary, former Councilor, and one of the early members of the National Light Newspaper, shared deep insights from his decades-long experience in journalism and public life, using himself as a living example of discipline, humility, and devotion to healthy living.
He explained that he developed the urine-drinking habit over twenty years ago after watching a health program on television, and had since found it beneficial. The veteran said he has not suffered any serious ailment since he began the practice, which he described as a natural therapy that keeps him strong and active, even at his advanced age.
Beyond his personal regimen, Chief Odoemena offered a comprehensive lecture on the principles of healthy living, urging journalists to adopt lifestyles that foster longevity, productivity, and mental balance. He emphasized the importance of adequate sleep, balanced diet, and abstinence from excessive alcohol consumption, stressing that no journalist can function effectively without sound health and peace of mind.
He advised journalists to avoid late-night indulgences and unhealthy habits that weaken the body, and encouraged them to maintain regular rest, avoid bitterness, and live joyfully with others. According to him, he keeps no record of wrongs, never holds grudges, and always prays for those around him, habits he believes contribute to a peaceful and long life.
The veteran also spoke on marital and moral discipline, urging both men and women to value self-control and to respect their bodies as temples of God. He described moderation, faith, and exercise as essential components of good living, adding that he still performs daily physical exercises and considers himself fit enough to compete with much younger people in speed and agility.
Chief Odoemena, who served as Chairman of the National Light Chapel of the NUJ for ten years and later as Press Secretary to a political party, recounted his extensive professional journey that took him across several countries including Israel, Ghana, and the United Kingdom. He recalled how journalism gave him both exposure and honour, without the need to compromise integrity, and urged young journalists to see the profession as a sacred calling rather than a means of survival.
He described journalists as moulders of public opinion, watchdogs of society, and agents of truth whose duty is to expose evil, promote justice, and preserve humanity. He encouraged practitioners to be courageous, objective, and unshaken in the face of threats, noting that journalists who stand for the truth have nothing to fear.
The veteran called on the government to support media growth by investing in indigenous language publications, especially in Igbo, to promote culture and identity. He pledged to support efforts toward reviving Igbo newspapers, describing them as vital to sustaining local journalism.
The session also featured questions and contributions from some other veteran journalists, including former Secretary of NUJ Anambra, Comrade Franz Ndulue, and former Chairman of the Council, Comrade Francis Ekpone, who both commended the octogenarian Odoemena’s wisdom and experience.
Also speaking, Mr. Ignatius Okpara of the African Examiner and Enugu State Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, while addressing the gathering, applauded the leadership of the Anambra State NUJ Council under Comrade Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu for its unity, vision, and academic excellence, describing the Council as one of the most intellectually advanced in Nigeria. He expressed admiration for the fact that both the Chairman and Secretary of the Council hold doctorate degrees, urging journalists in other states to emulate their example by pursuing higher academic and professional development.
He also praised the cordial relationship and unity among members of the Anambra NUJ, describing it as a model of leadership harmony. Okpara remarked that such peace and order are rare in some other councils, and predicted that with continued support from members, Dr. Odogwu could one day become the National President of the NUJ.
Earlier in the meeting, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, the NUJ Chairman, thanked the veteran for his presence and the wealth of wisdom he shared, describing him as a living encyclopedia of journalism whose life remains an inspiration to both the old and new generation of media practitioners. He said the Council deliberately organized the November Congress as a mentorship and knowledge-sharing platform, in recognition of the invaluable experiences of older journalists whose careers have shaped the media landscape in Nigeria.
Dr. Odogwu also noted that the inclusion of training components in monthly congresses reflects his administration’s vision to blend routine union activities with professional development opportunities.
The NUJ Chairman reiterated the Council’s commitment to continuous learning, welfare improvement, and collaboration with relevant agencies. He further appreciated the Anambra ICT Agency for providing free Wi-Fi at the Secretariat complex during the event, and reaffirmed the Council’s readiness for the forthcoming election coverage activities.
Speaking, the NUJ Matriarch, Prof. Stella Okunna, who also marked her birthday during the special congress, appreciated members for celebrating her and expressed delight that such an event was used to bridge generations in journalism. She urged younger journalists to respect and learn from veterans, noting that their stories and experiences remain critical for sustaining the profession’s integrity and ethical practice.
The November Special Congress was thus marked by inspiration, mentorship, and celebration, standing out as a rare blend of intellect, humour, and emotion, leaving the journalists deeply motivated to pursue excellence and longevity, both in life and in the noble craft of journalism.
More photos from the event:
