The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, highlights the importance of stewardship, service, and community impact by recognising a diverse group of politicians, corporate figures, academics, security professionals, and longtime unionists at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Press Week.
The event, themed “Tax Regimes and Exchange Rate Unification: Economic Implications and the Media’s Strategic Role,” combined a policy lecture with the presentation of awards across four categories: Public Service and Governance, Professional and Corporate Excellence, Media Advocacy, and Community Impact.
NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchhill Oyowe, speaking on the relevance of the theme, said it “Speaks directly to the heart of Nigeria’s economic realities and the challenges of policy communication. It underscores the responsibility of the media to deepen public understanding of complex fiscal and monetary policies, while also holding institutions accountable for the outcomes that affect citizens’ welfare.”
Churchill further explains why the time becomes time at a time Nigeria is about to transition into a new tax ecosystem, saying, “We have deliberately chosen this theme to provoke thought, inspire policy conversations, and reaffirm the media’s role as both the watchdog and the bridge between government and the governed. The Nigerian journalist must not only report policies but interpret them in ways that empower citizens to make decisions.” The award presentations formed the emotional core of the ceremony as NUJ Delta recognised men and women of valour whose public and private service has had a measurable impact in Delta State.
At the forefront of the list of honourees is Governor Oborevwori, who received the outstanding award for exceptional fiscal prudence, inclusive empowerment, and good governance.
Sen Joel Onowakpor Thomas, who received the Award for Exceptional Inclusive Empowerment and Good Governance in recognition of disciplined financial management and empowerment programmes that have reportedly reached numerous beneficiaries. Legislative leadership was honoured with two awards. Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, received the Exceptional Legislative Leadership Award. At the same time, Hon. Dickson Ebegbare was presented with the Exceptional Legislative Excellence Award for contributions to lawmaking and representation.
Hon. Douglas Kuwarine Andaye picked up a Transformational Legacy Award for his infrastructural interventions in his area, and Chief Vincent Oyibode was recognised with the Award of Exemplary Leadership in Security and Peacebuilding for work described by the organisers as fostering stability and community confidence. The Commissioner of Works and Public Information, Hon. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, and Mr Ekeme Ohwovoriole, SAN, received Legacy Awards in recognition of their long-standing contributions to national development and effective communication between public institutions and citizens.
Chief (Dr.) Daniel Omoyibo was named an Icon of Enterprise and Humanitarian Service, an honour that recognised the blending of entrepreneurial success with philanthropic engagements.
From the academy, Prof. Stella Chinyere Chiemeke, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, was awarded the Award of Excellence in Transformational Leadership for institutional reforms and leadership in higher education.
The Managing Director/CEO of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited received a Legacy Award for the firm’s role in safeguarding energy infrastructure. Comrade Bright Ede, SP, PPRO of the Delta State Police Command, was presented with the Award of Media and Public Relations Excellence. At the same time, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata was recognised with the Corporate Public Leadership Award for contributions to revenue mobilisation.
The NUJ used the ceremony to applaud those who have invested time and resources in the press and in community service. Pastor Edward Ekpati Orode was named Most Outstanding Union Statesman, a tribute to decades of service across NUJ structures. Comrade Kingsley Amioku received the Award of Stability and Union Cohesion, reflecting his work to maintain unity within the Union.
Asiwaju Sola Adebayo was honoured for his commitment to the welfare of journalists. Prince Godwin Egurieje, Director-General of WUEDA, received a Transformational Development Legacy Award for his contributions to urban infrastructure interventions. Rounding off the list, Olorogun Barr Fred Majemite was recognised with a Transformational Development and Philanthropy Award for grassroots empowerment and community projects.
Organisers framed the awards as more than ceremonial plaudits, saying the recognition is a tool to encourage accountability, reward public-spirited leadership, and inspire others to invest in social development. By foregrounding achievements in governance, security, enterprise, and media welfare, the NUJ Delta Council signalled a broad conception of service that extends beyond headlines to measurable community outcomes.
The timing of the awards, alongside a lecture focused on tax policy and exchange-rate unification, also highlighted the Union’s dual emphasis on capacity building for journalists and promoting informed public discourse on matters affecting Deltans.
