Onion Newspaper Marks Sixth Anniversary, Unveils Lolo Chioma Bright Njoku Charity Foundation
By Anselem Anokwute
The Onion Communication Limited, publishers of Onion Newspaper, has celebrated the sixth anniversary of the newspaper’s establishment with the unveiling of the Lolo Chioma Bright Njoku Charity Foundation, created in honour of the late publisher, Lolo Chioma Bright Njoku.
The anniversary celebration, held in Owerri, featured a lecture themed “The Media, Insecurity and Democracy,” and brought together media practitioners, government officials, traditional rulers, academics and other distinguished personalities.
The event was chaired by the Paramount Traditional Ruler of Ihim Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanweh (Obi Gburugburu), who was represented by Dr. Kelechi Nwagwu, a member of the Okigwe Elders Council.
As part of the celebration, the organisation honoured several individuals with the 2026 Onion Newspaper Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to governance, education and community development.
Among the recipients were the Imo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Rubby Emele, who was recognised for her contributions to the success of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, and the Executive Chairman of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Evang. Hon. Chika Okoroike, who received the award as the Best Performing Local Government Chairman.
Other awardees included the Vice-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri; Chief Emma Ugorji (Omemma Owerre), and other distinguished personalities.
Speaking after receiving her award, Hon. Mrs. Rubby Emele commended the organisers for preserving the legacy of the late publisher through the establishment of the charity foundation. She described the initiative as a noble effort that would ensure the enduring impact of Lolo Chioma Bright Njoku’s life and service to journalism.
She also praised the late publisher’s husband, Chief Bright Njoku, for his commitment to sustaining his wife’s vision and bringing family members together to keep her legacy alive through the foundation. Emele pledged her continued support for the foundation and dedicated the award to Governor Hope Uzodimma and the people of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area.
In his remarks, Evang.Hon. Chika Okoroike expressed appreciation to the management of Onion Newspaper for the recognition, describing the award as a motivation to intensify developmental efforts in Isiala Mbano.
According to him, the achievements recorded by his administration were made possible through the peaceful working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the council. He also dedicated the award to Governor Uzodimma and the people of Isiala Mbano LGA.
Earlier, the Editor of Onion Newspaper, Dr. Basil Ekweke, thanked guests, partners and award recipients for identifying with the newspaper over the past six years.
He assured that the organisation would continue to uphold the vision and ideals of its late publisher while sustaining quality journalism and expanding the newspaper’s reach across Nigeria and the African continent.
Ekweke also expressed gratitude to the newspaper’s advertisers, supporters and numerous patrons for their unwavering support, which, he said, has sustained the publication since its inception.
