By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
An array of role models and contributors to the success story of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka wll be appreciated this Thursday, June 10th, 2021 for their contributions to society and mankind.
According to the Head of Department, Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu the appreciation goes beyond those who assisted in shaping the Department to former students who excelled in their chosen career paths and others whose interest in youth development are unequalled.
Some of the awardees according to statement by Chairman of Silver Jubilee Publicity planning sub Committee, Dr Henry Duru are Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna
Pillar, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK; Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha Education Leadership Award; Sen. Andy Ubah Grand Patron, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ;HRH Igwe Prof Onuora Nwuneli Ogboo Ogu 1 of Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Prof. Nnamdi Ekeanyanwu Distinguished Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department, Unizik ; Dr. Nelson Omenugha Outstanding Youth Leadership Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Sen. Obinna Ogba Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ;Chief Okey Nwosu
Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Prof A. U. John-Kamen Pathfinder, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Ifeanyi Igwebike Mbanefo Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Ms Dora Mmuo Long Service Award (Non Teaching Staff), Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Deji Bademosi
Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Chief Godwin Chukwueloka Agbasimelo Eminent Youth Mobilizer Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK
; Prof Godson Okechukwu Okafor Long Service Award (Academic Staff), Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Emeka Aginam Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK ; Hon. Chris Azubogu Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK; Mr Ikenna Okpani Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department UNIZIK; Hon. Kingsley Udechukwu Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK
Meanwhile, a philanthropist of repute from Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area Anambra state, High Chief Godwin Chukwueloka Agbasimelo, aka OGA NDI OGA alongside other respected dignitaries will attend Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s UNIZIKComet Magazine launch, set to hold at same event.
The Magazine launch will be part of the events marking the Mass Communication Department’s 25 years silver jubilee celebration.
The event which will be staged at the new Ultra modern ASUU secretariat building will also mark the Maiden Alumni Homecoming of the department which began in 1996.
The event will be chaired by the Editorial Board member of Guardian Newspapers, Ifeanyi Igwebike Mbanefo while the keynote address will be delivered by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
Other key guests include Silver Jubilee lecturer and Marketing Analyst of Thisday Newspaper, Kasie Abone, Chairman Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Senator Obinna Ogba, as well as the National Chairman of African Democratic Party (ADC), Chief Okey Nwosu, who will be celebrating his birthday on same day with the students.
As well , Governor Willie Obiano and his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke as well as Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof Kate Omenugha among other top Government officials are expected to grace the occasion.
While HRM Igwe Prof. Onuorah Nwuneli of Igbakwu will be the Royal Father of the day, the Chief host of the event is the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone,FAS while the Head of Mass Communication Department, Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu is the host. Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, the Director Unizik FM is on ground to welcome guests.
Recall that the Mass Communication Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University had existed as a unit under the Sociology Department. Later, it however, gained its Independence in 1996 under the stewardship of Late A. U. John-Kamen who was the first to steer the ship of the newborn Department as its pioneer HOD.
Part of the key activities billed for the day will also include the inauguration of the National Steering Committee for setting up and organising the formal structure of the UNIZIK Mass Communication Alumni body.
The setting up of a formidable faculty Alumni body will align with the department, like all others nationwide, as it prepares to transform into the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies with 8 constituent departments.
In an interview, the Chairman of the Silver Jubilee planning committee, Dr Odogwu Christian Emeka Odogwu reassured that the students will be the greatest beneficiaries of the event as it will afford them an opportunity to interact with professionals in the field including Chika Oduah of Al Jazeera among others.
