By George Ozalla
The League of Anambra Journalists in Abuja has called on its members to strengthen unity, professionalism and commitment to the practice of journalism as the association held its first meeting of the year in the Federal Capital Territory.
The meeting, presided over by the President of the association, Ikenna Okonkwo, with Princess Ekwi serving as secretary, brought together journalists of Anambra origin working in Abuja alongside prominent personalities who encouraged the group to remain united and committed to projecting the image of Anambra State and the wider Igbo nation.
In his remarks, Okonkwo urged members to approach the affairs of the association with greater seriousness in the new year, stressing the need for punctuality at meetings, stronger professional relationships and active participation in the programmes of the organisation.
He said the leadership of the league had outlined activities and initiatives designed to strengthen the association and improve the professional and social engagement of its members in the months ahead.
A former President of the Anambra State Towns People Association and former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT Chapter, Chief Emeka Mbagha, commended the journalists for coming together under a professional platform in Abuja. He noted that journalists from Anambra working in the nation’s capital occupy an important position in shaping public perception about their state and people.
Mbagha urged members of the association to remain committed to responsible and truthful reporting, noting that what journalists write or say about Anambra can influence how the state and its people are viewed across the country. He also recalled the historic role played by journalism in Nigeria’s struggle for independence and the contributions of nationalist media platforms that helped mobilise the people against colonial rule.
He further encouraged members to remain connected to their communities by participating actively in their respective town unions and in the activities of the Anambra State Towns People Association.
Also speaking, the Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the party’s Chairmanship Candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dr Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, expressed appreciation to members of the league for their encouragement and support.
Chukwu described Anambra people as historically industrious and forward looking, noting that the state has long maintained a reputation for leadership in education, commerce and professional development. He, however, expressed concern about divisions within the Igbo nation and urged journalists to use their platforms to promote unity and present balanced narratives about their people.
He also encouraged members of the association to broaden their engagement beyond Anambra State by raising issues that affect the wider Igbo nation and by engaging leaders across the region on matters relating to unity and collective progress.
A former Secretary of the Anambra State Towns People Association, Sir Patrick Okwuba, stressed the importance of unity, cooperation and mutual support among Anambra people living outside the state. He noted that gatherings such as that of the League of Anambra Journalists in Abuja help strengthen social ties and create opportunities for members to support one another.
Similarly, Isaiah Benjamin of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria encouraged members of the league to remain united, noting that cooperation among members would help the association grow stronger and achieve its objectives.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for members to interact, review the activities of the previous year and deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening the organisation and expanding its professional network within the media community.
The League of Anambra Journalists in Abuja (LAJA) is an association of media professionals of Anambra origin working in the Federal Capital Territory.
