By Ovat Abeng
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, is set to conclude its annual press week with a grand ceremony on Thursday, August 28, 2025, where it will honour several distinguished individuals. The event, which marks the climax of the weeklong activities that began on August 7, will see Architect Okechukwu Ezeobi receive the prestigious 2025 NUJ Man of the Year Award.
Ezeobi, according to the assistant state secretary of the union, Dr Okechukwu Onuegbu, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Wednesday, is the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement, is a renowned humanist and philanthropist. He will be following in the footsteps of past recipients, including Dr. Anthony Chinedu Umeadi (2024), HRM Igwe Alex Onyido (2023), and Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji (2022).
Also, the NUJ will celebrate several other personalities for their contributions to society. They include:
Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka, Founder and CEO of Queentovah Helping Services and Queentovah Cares Foundation, will be named the 2025 NUJ Anambra Philanthropist of the 21st Century.
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Hon. Ikechukwu Okafor, CEO of Prince Iyke Construction Company, will receive the NUJ Anambra Most Inspiring Youth Leader Award, 2025.
Hon. Dr. ThankGod Chibuike Anago, Mayor of Awka North LGA, will be honored as the NUJ Anambra Most Outstanding Mayor of the Year, 2025.
Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, will receive the Most Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year Award.
High Chief Emenike Anthony Nwakaeze, former President-General of Awba Ofemili Town Union, will be decorated with the 2025 Outstanding Community Service Award.
The winners of the NUJ indoor games held on Wednesday, August 27 together with the club that won the Novelty Match held on August 25th will equally receive special handshake and trophies at the occasion.
The 2025 Winner of Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna award for ethical journalism will equally receive N150,000; while the 2nd and third runner-up will go home with N50,000 and N30,000, respectively.
The award ceremony will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka, starting at 10 a.m. The event will be chaired by Chief Primus Odili, while the Governor’s wife and founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, Dr. Nonye Soludo, will deliver a keynote speech.
The event’s theme is “The Media and Our State Anambra: Reportage in Election Year,” and the guest speaker will be Professor Angela Nkiru Nwammuo, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Anambra State Chapter.
The Chief Host and NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, along with other national and zonal leaders, will welcome the guest of honor, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
A Profile of Excellence: Architect Okechukwu Ezeobi
Architect Okechukwu Ezeobi’s journey is a testament to his dedication to excellence, innovation, and community development. From Umudala, Nanka, in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, Ezeobi emerged as the best graduating student with both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Architecture from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Lagos.
As the founder of Dwellins International Ltd., an architectural firm, he was a visionary leader who championed transformative design and social responsibility. His corporate apprenticeship scheme provided free training to young people from low-income backgrounds, empowering many with skills in carpentry and construction. His philanthropy extends to his hometown, where he has sponsored borehole projects, constructed access roads, and offered scholarships to indigent students.
In 2018, Ezeobi transitioned into public service, where he continued to demonstrate integrity and a commitment to transparency. Appointed as the GM/CEO of the Anambra State Bureau for Public Procurement in 2022, he saved the state over ₦10.4 billion in project costs within his first year. Under his leadership, the bureau also secured a $2 million World Bank grant, a significant international endorsement of its practices.
The NUJ’s recognition of Architect Ezeobi highlights his profound impact not only in architecture and public service but also in his unwavering commitment to building trust, creating opportunities, and leaving a lasting legacy.
The Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu led State Working Committee (SWC) and the 2025 press week committee Chaired by Comrade Francis Ekpone, is hereby inviting journalists and the general public to this auspicious occasion.
