Imo
Anselem Anokwute
Imo State Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) has successful concluded the Luncheon/Presentation of the 2023“INPA Man of the Year Award to an illustrious Imo Son, Eziopara Ben Anyanwu.
Speaking at the event, at the De- Legend Hotel Owerri Imo State Saturday 9 March 2024, the Chairman, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Dr. Ikedi Godson Ohakim represented by Prof. Chinedu Anosike Cona described the publishers as a major key player in the discharge and shaping a good governance in the State
While the Governor of Imo State, Sen.Hope Uzodimma, was represented by a Commissioner designate and the former Commissioner for Information/Strategy, Chief Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba.
The Traditional Ruler of Egbelu-Obube Autonomous Community in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, HRH Eze J.C. Nwaogu, presided as the Royal Father of the day.
It was an epoch making event to attracted good number of Imo sons and daughters, especially from the Shared Prosperity Administration and some captains of industries who came to associate with the publishers.
In his welcome address, Chairman of INPA, Chief Declan Anaele, described the event as the second award ceremony of the noble pen pushing association which he described as a Non-Governmental Organization that was formed in 2011 to champion the cause of newspaper publications in the State.
Chief Anaele disclosed that, aside from the State Government, INPA is a significant contributor to employment with 22 member-publishing company
He highlighted that each media house employs no fewer than 20 staff, paid regular monthly salaries.
Speaking on the rising cost of newspaper production, the INPA Boss expressed concern about the economic challenges facing the sector and solicited for government subvention.
He appealed to the Government of Uzodimma and capable individuals to help publishers subsidize production costs, emphasizing the potential consequences on employment and crime rates if publishers are unable to retain their work force.
“INPA is an association of registered newspaper proprietors in Imo State and that the members of platform have successfully produced five Chairmen as he is the sixth person elected as Chairman.
Chief Anaele recalled that the first award from INPA was presented to Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the immediate late Governor of Ondo State, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for her sterling leadership.
According to the INPA Chairman,” Eziopara Ben Anyanwu was selected as the “Man of the Year” for his positive and impeccable track records and his personal life as an achievers, nominated by the people of Imo State”.
Responding, Eziopara Ben Anyanwu, expressed satisfactions that the award came to him on its own as he is not a politician but a supporter of good government.
Eziopara Anyanwu expressed satisfactions with the unity of purpose and love amongst the members of Imo Newspaper publishers Association and encouraged them to remain committed to the call to service as members of the fourth estate of the realm (journalists/publishers).
He charged media practitioners not to relent in enlightening and informing the people as the fulcrum of society.
In addition, the Head Imo State Political Bureau, Chief Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, expressed gratitude and optimism for associating himself with the Publishers Association INPA since it’s inception and promised to retained the friendship.
Chief Onuegbu congratulated the awardee and charged journalists and publishers to always be on the forefront of repositioning society.
Some prominent Imo Citizen’s witnessed the event including, former Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Sir.Jude Ejiogu, Chief Lemmy Akakem, Chief Henry Njoku (Harittex), Hon.Dan Ikpeazu, the Imo State House of Assembly,IMHA, representing Owerri-North State Constituency, Hon.Kelechi Ofurum, and Hon.Mike Nwachukwu and many others
Journalists, Media Practitioners and Political juggernauts who graced the ceremony commended INPA Executive Members including: Chief Declan Anaele, of Eastern Lead Express (Chairman), Elder Chukwuemeka Ike, of City Star Newspaper (Vice Chairman), Mr.Leonard Ajokubi, Publisher of Hero Newspaper (Secretary), Okenze George Nkwoji, of Moment Newspapers, (Treasurer), Comr.Jothan Emenyonu, Publisher of Edge Express (Financial Secretary), Ms.Tricia Iwuoha, of National Questions Newspaper/ Lush Magazine (Assistant Secretary), and Chief Martins Uwakwe, Publisher of Spartan Newspaper (PRO)”.
Others are, The Co-Publishers of Trumpeta Newspaper, Hon.Henry Ekpe, Publisher of National Newsbreak Newspapers, Pastor Gele Agbai,;
White Paper Newspaper, Chief Sam Onwuemeodo, BigTruth Newspapers, Sir.Modestus Nwamkpa, Newsday Newspaper, Mr.Stanley Duruayim;
Including Publishers of Announcer Express and many others.
Members of Association of Imo Based Journalists, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Past and Current leadership including Sir Fidel Onyeneke.