Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, has blamed the union’s inability to organize Press Week for the past five years on the economic situation in the country and scarcity of funds.
NUJ stated this while disclosing its readiness to organise a befitting Press Week for the year 2024 in the State.
The Press Week, according to NUJ, is slated for between 10th and 15th June, 2024.
The Union, in a statement by its chairman and secretary, Mr. Stanley Job Stanley and Mr. Ike Wigodo respectively, explained that the occasion will be used to honour the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as the Most Peaceful governor in the country.
It also revealed that awards will be conferred on some other distinguished personalities and corporate organizations in the state.
Activities lined up for the one-week programme include novelty football match, visits to some organisations and charity homes.
Press Week is an annual event of the NUJ used by journalists to felicitate among themselves as well as evaluate events in the society and also appreciate individuals and corporate organisations that have contributed meaningfully to the society.
According to the statement, “Journalists play important roles in building up societies. We report about others and events of other people, it will be gratifying if news sources also appreciate journalists for what they have been doing for the society.”
NUJ noted that the Award of Peace to be bestowed on the Fubara, is in appreciation of the governor’s peaceful disposition and what it described as his excellent stewardship in the last one year which they said has placed the state on the pedestal of development.
The Union further called on its members to turn out in their large numbers during the one week event and give the State Council and the Press Week Committee led by Olalekan Ige all the maximum support to enable the event succeed.
