The correspondent of The Nation newspapers in Anambra State, Emma Elekwa, has won the Anambra Journalist of the Year of the Association of Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA).
Elekwa, was announced the winner of the prize at the 5th Edition of Anambra Media Excellence Award (AMEA) together with the reporter, TVC News, Bamidele Ajayi as TV reporter of the year as well as Godwin Offor (Akelicious. net) who won Blogger of the year
Others personalities that won other awards included former Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Dr. Uche Nworah (Media Man of the Year), State Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA Chief Barr. Ifeatu Obiokonye (Leadership Excellence Award) and Chief Mike Nweke Okechukwu (Special AMEA Recognition Award)
Also awarded were Bigly Oil & Gas Ltd as Best Practices For Revenue Collection Anambra State, Uchechukwu Ebonam (Jasmine ABS Radio) as Radio presenter of the year, Oge Ibemesi as Face of Anambra Media Excellence Award, Afoma Victoria Obiedo Okwuka as Social Media Personality of the Year, Hugo Abunie as Entrepreneurship Excellence Award and Ebele Onyekwelu as Life Patron, Association Of Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA).
Speaking during the ceremony, Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Don Onyenji said the occasion was opportunity to celebrate media practitioners for their immense contribution in shaping the society.
He said, “The media industry is a service industry which people get into, working tirelessly without thinking about the rewards.
“Every other sector is being projected by the media, medicine, politics, economy. But who’s promoting the media? So it’s important they’re appreciated by other people.
“This kind of event means a lot to practitioners of the industry. It’s an opportunity to know that someone somewhere is assessing what you’re doing.
“As a intricate sensitive job, from one’s thought, concept to delivery, sense of creative ingenuity and balancing, all these tell much about how media practitioners are modelling their society and changing the narratives.”
While congratulating the awardees as well as the Convener for his dedication and sacrifice, the Commissioner promised partnership with state government for sustainability of the project.
Earlier, National President, ADMCA, Dr. Chuma-Odili Harris described AMEA as a big stage with big screen which he said had produced several media aides and consultants to government functionaries and politicians.
“We’ve always ensured our awardees are core practitioners in the state. The award is tied around celebrating professionalism, excellence in journalism.
“When you’re working, there’s this consciousness that the big brother is watching. If you do good, you’ll be celebrated, if you do bad, you’ll be relegated to the background. Nobody celebrates gabbage.
“AMEA is a big stage with a big screen because it’s not easy to arrive here. You must be good at what you do. It’s a big screen because it doesn’t end here, it goes viral.
“Those who will hire you are watching. We’ve been able to produce media aides and consultants to governments and political big wigs from our past awardees.
“Today, we celebrated Anambra Journalist of the Year. This is the first time we’re celebrating journalist, a workaholic one for that matter, Emma Elekwa for distinguishing himself.
“Also the TVC reporter, Asiwaju, we’ve been watching him and he’s been doing well, covering both political news, current affairs and what have you. It’s a no-nonse journalist who should be celebrated,” he explained.
Responding, Elekwa expressed appreciation to God for the wisdom, zeal and passion bestowed on him to carry out his duty, just as he thanked the benefactor for finding him worthy for the honour.
He also appreciated his organisation, The Nation newspapers for providing the platform that gave him prominence.
“I must confess that the award came to me as a surprise. Not that I didn’t merit it, but as someone who prefers working behind the scenes, little did I know that I was being monitored remotely,” he said.
While dedicating the award to God and his colleagues in the pen profession, the journalist said the award would spur him to more commitment and dedication to his assignments.
