The Enugu State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced that former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, will be formally inducted into the Union’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to journalism development during his administration.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the induction will take place during the 2025 NUJ Press Week scheduled for December 4, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
This year’s Press Week has the theme: “National Unity and Good Governance: The Role of the Media.”
Comrade Ogbuka announced that the keynote lecture will be delivered by the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, while former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, will chair the event.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Okezie Kalu, will serve as Special Guest of Honour, with the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as Chief Host.
The NUJ noted that the former governor’s induction follows a comprehensive review of his contributions to journalism across Enugu State. During his two-term tenure from 2015 to 2023, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi implemented landmark interventions that fundamentally strengthened the media landscape in the state.
Among his notable achievements were the rehabilitation and modernization of the NUJ Press Centre in Enugu, a widely celebrated upgrade described by the Union as “the highest financial investment in NUJ infrastructure in the history of Enugu State.”
In addition, his administration provided a new bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel, sponsored several journalists on pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and supported numerous professionals through capacity-building trainings and workshops.
Equally transformative was his commitment to expanding media infrastructure beyond the state capital. Under his leadership, a brand-new Press Centre was constructed for journalists in Nsukka, offering practitioners in the zone a modern, conducive workspace. The NUJ said this decentralization effort reflected Ugwuanyi’s belief that “every journalist, regardless of location, deserves a dignified and professional environment.”
The statement added that the former governor’s humility, accessibility, and consistent respect for journalists helped nurture a positive relationship between the media and government during his administration.
“Throughout his tenure, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi demonstrated a deep appreciation of the press as a vital institution for democracy and development,” the Council noted.
“For his historic infrastructural support, unwavering commitment to press freedom and welfare, and a legacy of empowerment that continues to uplift the journalism community, the Enugu State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists hereby inducts him into its Hall of Fame this 4th day of December 2025.”
The NUJ further stated that other distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in their respective fields will also be honoured as part of the annual Press Week activities, a period when journalists assess leadership performance and review the Union’s work over the year.
The Council invited members of the public, media professionals, and stakeholders to attend the ceremony.
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