..Journalists reaffirm media’s role in community development
The Greater Awgu Media Practitioners (GAMP) has held a grand reception in Enugu in honour of Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, with leaders and stakeholders stressing the central role of the media in advancing community development.
The event, which brought together journalists, traditional leaders, academics, political officeholders and other stakeholders from Awgu, Oji River and Aninri LGAs, celebrated Ogbuka’s emergence and renewed calls for stronger media engagement in shaping the socio-economic future of the Greater Awgu zone.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, described the media as the “collective mouthpiece” of society and a critical driver of development.
“Your role cannot be overemphasised in the development of society,” he said. “Our communities cannot progress without a strong and responsible media holding government accountable and driving public discourse. I am encouraged seeing many young media professionals here. It shows you are doing well in attracting the next generation.”
Ekweremadu also commended Ogbuka and the Greater Awgu media community for their contributions to what he called the “economic renaissance” of the area, adding that unity among media professionals would advance the aspirations of Greater Awgu people.
Chairman of the occasion and CEO Tradecourt Ltd, Chief Benson Orah, said the gathering reflected the collective will of the people to promote unity and development within the zone.
He hailed Ogbuka’s election as a testament to his commitment to public communication and community service.
Ora, who was represented by Bill Uchegbue, said, “As we gather today, we are reminded of the power of unity and collective effort in driving the development of our beloved Greater Awgu,” he said. “Media professionals play a pivotal role in shaping narratives and pushing development issues to the front burner.”
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Sunny Udeze of the Mass Communication Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), said no community can experience sustainable development without an active and responsible media.
“The media’s watchdog, agenda-setting and mobilisation functions place it at the heart of social change,” he stated. “When journalists highlight infrastructural gaps and amplify community needs, they compel government and development actors to intervene.”
Udeze urged journalists from the zone to deepen coverage of rural communities, adopt solution-driven reporting and strengthen accountability at the grassroots. He described Ogbuka as a “team player” whose leadership qualities earned him the NUJ chairmanship.
Also speaking, the Chairman of GAMP, Regis Anukwuoji, said the reception marked a historic moment for the body nearly a decade after its establishment. He said journalists from Greater Awgu must see themselves as instruments for community transformation.
In his response, an emotional Ogbuka thanked GAMP for the honour, describing it as both “a message and a burden of integrity.”
“I am very happy about this,” he said. “I see this honour as a reminder to live up to the expectations of my people. I will not disappoint you. God will honour you as you have honoured me.”
