The traditional ruler of Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Benneth Emeka has called on media practitioners to embrace sporting activities, including regular exercise for overall well-being and healthy living.
The monarch made the call while performing the ceremonial kick off of novelty match between the NUJ team and Catholic Priests from Awka and Ekwulobia dioceses at the ABS field, Awka Anambra State during the 2023 NUJ Anambra State Council media games.
He said it was important the media and other professionals engaged in sports and keep fit at all times amidst their busy job schedule, noting that exercise played vital role in the overall well-being of every individual.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of both teams, adding that such events would help to promote harmonious co-existence between both teams and by extension benefit the society at large.
On his part, major sponsor of the event, Hon Arnold Chukwuebuka Ekweoba said he decision to sponsor the event was informed by the long lasting relationship between him and journalists.
According to him, he was able to make it in life through stunning publicity given to him at no cost then by journalists.
Hon Ekweoba went down memory lane on how he climbed the ladder of estate management and promised to train interested Anambra journalists free of cost in estate management business.
He urged media professionals to use their media power to liberate themselves and promised to train interested journalists for free in the business of estate management.
He further charged journalists to venture into other money making businesses to diversify their means of revenue generation especially in the face of economic challenges in the country presently.
Earlier, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist Anambra state council, Dr Odogwu Emeka said the annual event was an opportunity for journalists to come together and enjoy themselves, even while ensuring sound health.
He appreciated all who made out time to be part of the program and thanked especially Igwe Ben Emeka of Umueri and Hon Arnold Chukwuebuka Ekweoba for partnering the union.
“Sports speak uniformity, as it has become an efficient strategy for building stronger partnership among media practitioners.
“The essence of the game is also to harness talents in different sporting areas, in preparation for national competitions. I urge everyone to put in their best to make the event a success,” he said.
Chairman of the organizing committee, Dr Stanley Onunkwor, appreciated all who contributed to the success of the 2023 games, urging media professionals to engage in sports and keep fit at all times despite their busy schedule.
He commended fellow colleagues for their show of love to the tournament, urging them to live a healthy lifestyle by making exercise part of their daily routine.
The 2023 media games which featured 15 competitions and 30 winners, featured other games including egg race, sack race where the state NUJ chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka came first and Secretary of NUJ, Comrade Aloysius Ofodile KSJI came second, one hundred metre race, bottle flip, among others.
