Kogi NUJ Unveils 2026 Press Week Programme, Ododo, Fanwo, Others to Attend Grand Finale
LOKOJA, Kogi State
The Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans for its 2026 Press Week, featuring religious services, an endurance walk, a free medical outreach and an awards ceremony designed to promote professional journalism, public service and ethical reporting.
The week-long programme is scheduled to commence on Friday, October 23, and culminate in a grand finale on Wednesday, October 28, at the NUJ Press Centre in Lokoja, beginning at 10 a.m.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Comrade Samuel Atuluku, PhD, who said arrangements had been concluded for the activities.
According to the statement, the annual event will provide an opportunity for journalists to reflect on their professional responsibilities, strengthen their commitment to ethical standards and engage in activities that contribute to the welfare of members and the wider society.
Religious Services, Endurance Walk, Medical Outreach
The programme will begin with a Juma’at service at the Ministry of Education Mosque in Lokoja on Friday, October 23, followed by a Christian worship service on Sunday, October 25, at the CEFN Zonal Headquarters Church, Ganaja Junction.
Members of the union will participate in an endurance walk on Monday, October 26, as part of activities promoting physical fitness, camaraderie and unity among journalists.
A free medical outreach is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, ahead of the grand finale the following day.
The organisers said the activities reflect the union’s commitment to professional development, social responsibility and initiatives that promote the welfare of journalists and members of the public.
The Press Week is an annual event on the NUJ calendar, providing a platform for professional engagement, networking, reflection on developments in the media industry and recognition of individuals and organisations whose contributions have made a difference in society.
Ododo, Fanwo, Assembly Member to Grace Grand Finale
The grand finale is expected to attract prominent government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, media practitioners and other stakeholders.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, will serve as Guest of Honour.
The member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Yahaya, will chair the occasion.
The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on the media’s role in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting responsible public communication, particularly as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of future elections.
Election Reporting, Professional Ethics Take Centre Stage
The 2026 Press Week will focus on the theme, “Professional and Ethical Standards in Election Reporting: The Journalist as a Guardian of Democracy.”
The theme highlights the importance of accuracy, fairness, impartiality and responsible reporting in the coverage of electoral processes.
Alhaji Dahiru Mojeed, Lead Consultant at Lizzy Waters Ltd, Abuja, will deliver the keynote address as the Guest Speaker.
The organisers said the theme would encourage journalists to reflect on the ethical obligations associated with election reporting and the responsibility of the media to provide credible information that enables citizens to make informed democratic choices.
The focus is particularly significant in an environment where misinformation, political tension and the rapid spread of unverified information can influence public opinion and undermine confidence in democratic processes.
The union is expected to use the occasion to reinforce the need for journalists to uphold professional standards, verify information before publication and report political developments without compromising accuracy or public trust.
NUJ Unveils Award Recipients
A major highlight of the grand finale will be the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to traditional leadership, humanitarian service, corporate social responsibility, tax administration, youth and sports development, peace and democratic values.
Among the recipients is the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kebir Maikarfe IV, who will receive the Award of Distinguished Traditional Leadership.
The Onu Abocho and Paramount Ruler of Biraidu, HRH Ajofe Okai Jonah Idrisu, will be honoured with the NUJ Excellent Humanitarian Services Award.
In recognition of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Mangal Cement will receive the NUJ Award of Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Sule Salihu Enehe, PhD, FCA, FCTI, will be presented with the NUJ Award of Excellence in Tax Administration and Reforms.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, is also among the award recipients and will receive the NUJ Award of Excellence in Youth/Sports Development.
Similarly, Hon. Dr Tim Nda Diche will receive the Champion of Peaceful Politics and Democratic Values Award.
The awards are intended to recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations to public service, community development, responsible leadership and the promotion of democratic values.
Council Seeks Stakeholders’ Support
The Kogi NUJ Council has called on government officials, traditional institutions, corporate organisations, media stakeholders, invited guests and members of the public to support the programme and participate in the activities.
The union stressed that a responsible and ethical media remains essential to democratic governance, public accountability and the protection of citizens’ right to information.
It also reaffirmed the media’s constitutional responsibility as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, noting that journalists have an important role to play in holding public institutions accountable and providing the public with reliable information.
The Central Planning Committee expressed confidence that the 2026 Press Week would provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, promote ethical journalism and celebrate individuals and organisations making positive contributions to Kogi State.
With activities scheduled to run from October 23 to October 28, the programme is expected to bring together journalists, government representatives, traditional rulers, business leaders and other stakeholders for a week of professional engagement, public service and recognition.