BY PATRICK MGBODO
HE walks with a gingerly gait, each step deliberate, leaving footprints that remain in the sands of time. With his hat slightly tilted, perfectly complementing his refinement, he cuts a striking figure. Behind his mahogany desk piled with dossiers, spectacles perched on his nose, he sculpts the architecture of information with precision. Yet, his work is not confined to the office. From press conferences to interviews and inspections, he reinforces the facts, sealing every crack, and meets every question with uncommon brilliance.
Born into the humble family of Chief and Mrs. Agboje Aniagwu in Akumazi-Umuocha, Ika North-East Local Government Area, Delta State, Hon. Charles Aniagwu’s life story is one of resilience and determination. His upbringing, rooted in the values of discipline and hard work, became the foundation upon which his future achievements would be built.
From his early education at the Umuocha Primary School to Ndemili Grammar School, Aniagwu’s academic pursuit set the stage for a distinguished career in media and public communications.
At Auchi Polytechnic, where he earned his National Diploma in Mass Communication in 1993, and later at Ogun State Polytechnic for his Higher National Diploma (HND), Aniagwu’s passion for oratory, storytelling and governance was ignited. It was, however, in the media that Aniagwu found his true calling.
His early professional journey, spanning from industrial training at the office of the Edo State Governor to roles in Lion of Africa Insurance Company, laid the groundwork for a stellar career. Over the next two decades, Aniagwu would rise through the ranks of prominent media houses, including as a political correspondent at DBN TV and a National Assembly correspondent at DAAR Communications (Africa Independent Television).
His voice became a trusted one in the realm of national discourse, particularly through his role as co-producer and presenter of Political Platform on Raypower FM.
The trajectory of his career took a decisive turn when he was appointed Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Delta State Governor in 2015. This position began a new chapter for Aniagwu, allowing him to apply his extensive media experience in shaping public communication within governance.
His appointment as Commissioner for Information in 2019 by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa cemented his place as a transformative leader. His tenure was marked by a vision of transparency, inclusivity, and modernisation.
Under his stewardship, the Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC) experienced a renaissance. A key highlight of Aniagwu’s tenure was the transformation of The Pointer’s newsroom into a modern, tech-driven space where information gathering and dissemination were seamlessly integrated.
The construction of an ultramodern newsroom equipped with state-of-the-art technology was not merely about aesthetics but also about enhancing journalistic productivity and fostering a sense of pride among the staff. More importantly, it demonstrated Aniagwu’s commitment to creating an environment where media professionals could thrive.
Equally noteworthy was Aniagwu’s dedication to human capacity development. Recognising that no institution can succeed without skilled personnel, he spearheaded numerous training programs for both ministry and parastatal staff. These initiatives ensured that the workforce was not only equipped to handle the demands of the evolving media landscape but also empowered to advance in their careers.
His reforms extended beyond the newsroom, as he improved staff welfare by increasing stipends and providing essential equipment like computers and cameras. Such initiatives were not limited to infrastructure and welfare improvements alone. Aniagwu was instrumental in facilitating the employment of over 200 individuals across the state’s media establishments, including The Pointer, Delta Broadcasting Service in Asaba, and Warri. This critical move filled staffing gaps, bringing in journalists, administrators, and other professionals who ensured the smooth continuation of government communication and media services.
Beyond the media landscape, Aniagwu’s impact reverberated through his role as a businessman and philanthropist. As the Chairman/CEO of Jace-Darl Investment Nigeria Ltd/Hotels and Jace-Darl Media and Communications Nigeria Ltd, Aniagwu provided employment opportunities for hundreds of youths, reinforcing his commitment to empowering the next generation.
His philanthropy, too, earned him widespread admiration, further proving that his contributions were not just limited to his official duties but extended deeply into community development.
In 2023, Aniagwu’s journey took yet another remarkable turn when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appointed him Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) and shortly after, Commissioner for Public Information.
These new roles, testaments to his versatility and competence, placed him at the helm of critical infrastructural projects across Delta State, particularly in road development. His ability to seamlessly transition from Commissioner for Information to Commissioner for Works, and now wearing both hats, speaks volumes about his adaptability and unwavering commitment to Delta’s development.
Through his work, Aniagwu has demonstrated that public service, when rooted in integrity and driven by purpose, can leave a legacy that transcends time. His leadership, marked by transparency and accountability, has set a new standard for governance in Delta State. His contributions, particularly in the media and infrastructure sectors, continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
In a time when public service is often met with scepticism, Aniagwu stands as a paragon of integrity—a man whose work has touched lives and whose legacy will inspire future generations. Truly, the measure of a man is not in the wealth he accumulates, but in the lives he touches and the legacy he leaves behind. This was buttressed by industry stakeholders who showered encomiums on him as he marks another birth anniversary today.
According to the General Manager of the Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), publishers of The Pointer Newspapers, Mrs Rosemary Nwaebuni, she described Mr Charles Aniagwu as a man with uncommon grace whose proficiency and commitment has helped to shape the state’s media landscape.
While wishing Aniagwu a happy birthday, the General Manager prayed for him to continue in good health and divine wisdom in discharging his assignments, adding that the sky is not his limits but his stepping stone.
In the same vein, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media, Dr Nelson Egware said, ‘’On this special day of your birth anniversary, I join your family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers in celebrating a man of uncommon virtues, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Delta State.
‘’You have distinguished yourself as a sound communicator, an astute and genial administrator, and a kind-hearted man whose contributions continue to enrich our state and inspire those privileged to work with you. Truly, you are a man of many parts, with an unwavering commitment to excellence and service to humanity.
‘’On a personal note, working closely with you has impacted me deeply, from the wealth of knowledge I have gained under your guidance to the many acts of benevolence that reflect your large heart. Your exemplary leadership and generosity continue to be a source of inspiration to me.
‘’On behalf of my family, I heartily wish you many more years of good health, wisdom, and divine favour. May this new chapter of your life be filled with greater accomplishments and boundless joy’’
Also, the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) shared kind words for the commissioner on his birthday. In a message by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, the union reflected on the gains of the media landscape in Delta under Hon Aniagwu.
According to Oyowe, ‘’I warmly felicitate with the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, on the occasion of his birthday today.
‘’Your remarkable journey from a distinguished career in journalism, where you excelled as both a field and studio professional in respected media houses such as DBN and AIT, to your outstanding contributions in public service, first as Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information in the last dispensation and now as a ranking Commissioner in Delta State, is truly inspiring.
‘’Over the last decade, you have carved a niche for yourself as a voice of clarity, a bridge between government and the people, and a man of excellence in service. I join my NUJ family in Delta State to proudly associate with your accomplishments and values, your enduring contributions to governance and development communication.
‘’As you mark this special day, I pray for renewed strength, wisdom, and grace to continue in your noble service to our dear state and humanity. Congratulations and happy birthday, Honourable Commissioner.’’
In the same vein, a former General Manager of The Pointer, Mr Monday Uwagwu, described Aniagwu as a man of many good parts.‘’Every enlightened person knows the big difference between a person and a human being who, based on his innate values, has the right mix of due sense of his rights and responsibilities.
‘’Evidence of this finds lucid expression in his warm relationship with people, biologically related or not, and high and or low. As a professional, Charles is a positive amazement; he is a great example of a well-groomed media man and an extraordinary marketer. He is always at home with facts and figures, even on the most current and inscrutable events and developments, which he effortlessly dissects for the benefit of his audience.
‘’He is deep in skills and eloquence and, almost always, ahead of even his most efficient contemporaries and interviewers. His ability to remain decorous and focused even in the most professionally challenging circumstances can disarm even the most cynical of cynics. All of these, combined with his evident humility and large-heartedness, have earned him a well-deserved well of enduring goodwill’’ Uwagwu said.
Hon. Charles Aniagwu, whose outstanding dedication to excellence and integrity in public communications and governance has shaped not only Delta but also the broader narrative of public service in Nigeria, stands indisputably tall.
His life reflects the enduring truth that, as Myles Munroe said, “Success is not measured by what you achieve, but by the legacy you leave behind.” The legacy of Hon. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu will continue to shine brightly for years to come. Indeed, “True public service is not about what you gain but about the difference you make in the lives of those you serve.”
