Chris Isiguzo honoured with lifetime achievement award in Enugu

The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists of the NUJ South East Zone C. The honour came during a special homecoming event held at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.

The gathering was more than a celebration it was a heartfelt tribute to a leader who left an indelible mark on the Union. Speaking at the ceremony, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, praised Isiguzo’s outstanding leadership, describing him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader.”

Adiuku noted that during Isiguzo’s tenure as National President, he not only provided visionary leadership but also elevated the South East into a formidable voice within the Union. His efforts, he said, inspired many journalists across the region and beyond, setting standards that continue to guide the NUJ today.

Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.

The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.

In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.

Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.

The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.