The Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has finalised arrangements for its 2026 Press Week, an annual event that will run from Friday, Oct. 23, to Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Dr Samuel Atuluku, Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja on Oct. 15.
According to the statement, the week-long programme will begin on Friday, Oct. 23, with Jumaat service at the Ministry of Education Jumaat Mosque in Lokoja. A Christian church service will follow on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the CEFN Zonal Headquarters Church, Ganaja Junction.
Atuluku said members of the union would hold an endurance walk on Monday, Oct. 26, followed by a free medical programme on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The grand finale is scheduled for Wednesday, 28th October, 2026 at NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja at 10am.
He described the Press Week as an annual stocktaking of the union’s activities, during which members engage in social responsibility initiatives and advocacy for the benefit of society.
The statement said Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi would be the Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale, while the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, would be the Guest of Honour.
Hon. Umar Yahaya, member representing Omala Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, will serve as Chairman of the occasion.
The theme of this year’s Press Week is “Professional and Ethical Standards in Election Reporting: The Journalist as a Guardian of Democracy.” Alhaji Dahiru Mojeed, Lead Consultant at Lizzy Waters Ltd, Abuja, will deliver the keynote address as Guest Speaker.
As is customary, the union will also recognise individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to society.
The Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kebir Maikarfe IV, will receive the Award of Distinguished Traditional Leadership.
The Onu Abocho and Paramount Ruler of Biraidu, HRH Ajofe Okai Jonah Idrisu, will receive the NUJ Excellent Humanitarian Services Award.
Mangal Cement will be honoured with the NUJ Award of Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Dr Sule Salihu Enehe, will receive the NUJ Award of Excellence in Tax Administration and Reforms.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, will be recognised with the NUJ Award of Excellence in Youth/Sports Development.
Hon. Dr Tim Nda Diche will receive the Champion of Peaceful Politics and Democratic Values award.
The union called on relevant stakeholders and invited guests to support the programme, in order to justify the role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm.
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