Imo Publishers Celebrate 14th Anniversary With Grandeur
By:GELE AGBAI
The rhythmic sounds of drums and cymbals filled the air, accompanied by pleasant weather conditions characterized by neither excessive sunshine nor rainfall. Elegantly attired dignitaries from diverse backgrounds graced the red carpet, providing ample opportunities for photographers.
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, members of the Imo Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) convened to celebrate the 14th anniversary of their association.
The event took place in the exquisite Main Hall of the prestigious Rockview Hotel Government House Station Layout Owerri, Imo State.
By 10:00 a.m., the 1000-capacity hall was filled with attendees, who enjoyed a comfortably cool ambience, courtesy of the efficiently functioning air-conditioning facilities.
The distinguished guests included political figures, industry leaders, community chieftains, media practitioners, student journalists, newspaper distributors and vendors, as well as local residents.
The arrival of the Chairman of the occasion and CEO of MegaDrill Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Ejike Lucky Chukwu; the keynote speaker and Executive Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie; and Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, founder and President of Ugwumba Centre for Leadership Development in Africa, marked the commencement of the event.
Among the other esteemed guests were Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Hon. Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba; Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, represented by Dr. Ikenna Onuoha; Hon. Miriam Onuoha, member of the House of Representatives for Okigwe North Federal Constituency; Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu (also known as Omeogo), member of the House of Representatives for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency; and former Managing Director of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Chief Charles Orie.
In his address, Dr. Ejike Lucky Chukwu lamented the insufficient respect accorded to the media in this region. He underscored the importance of newspapers and electronic media as primary sources of information for the public.
Dr. Chukwu expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to chair the event and urged dignitaries to lend their support to the media.
In his welcome address, Chief Declan Anaele, Chairman of INPA, listed challenges confronting newspapers based in Imo State to include incessant power outages and skyrocketing prices of inputs such as reams of paper.
Anaele lauded the state government for providing conducive environment for businesses to thrive by tackling insecurity in the state.
The INPA boss however appealed to the state government to go a step further by allocating a parcel of land to the association to enable it establish its Media Resource Training Centre valued at N200million.
Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie, a prominent figure in the banking and financial sector, delivered a keynote address on the theme “Diverse Financing Options for Capacity Building in the Print Media.”
He highlighted the emergence of smartphones as a significant challenge for newspapers, noting that multiple versions of news stories are often consumed via smartphones before newspapers hit the stands.
This trend, Amuchie said, has led to a decline in circulation and reduced advertising revenue for printed editions, as brands redirect their budgets to social media and search engines.
Mr. Amuchie cited the New York Times as an example of successful adaptation, with the publication now earning more revenue from digital subscriptions than print copies.
He recommended that INPA members establish collaborative frameworks to share the business burden while maintaining editorial competition.
Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, founder and President of Ugwumba Centre for Leadership Development in Africa, called upon media professionals, particularly newspaper proprietors, to prevent the dissemination of false information.
Mr. Nwosu, a former Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Urban Planning in Imo State, recounted his experience as a victim of fake news during his tenure.
He recalled a false newspaper report alleging that his cook absconded with millions from his closet, a claim that left him bewildered.
Mr. Nwosu questioned the plausibility of storing such substantial sums in his closet and even consulted his wife regarding the existence of such funds in their home.
He urged INPA members to refrain from producing and disseminating sensational reports.
The publishers clearly maintain a strong relationship with Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, and his representative, Dr. Onuoha, noted this and announced that the annual gathering with the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party would also take place in December.
Representatives of Chief Charles Orie, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu, Dr. Alex Mbata, Dr. Chijioke Kaduru, a public health expert; former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa, Senior Special Assistant to Abia State Governor Alex Otti OFR on Public Affairs extended their goodwill messages to the publishers, pledging continued collaboration for the benefit of society.
The ceremony’s highlight was the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians and the launch of the association’s N200 million Media Resource Centre.
Award recipients included Governor Hope Uzodimma (Grand Patron of INPA), Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Outstanding Media-Friendly Personality), Dr. Ejike Chukwu (Oil and Gas Man of the Year), Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie (Outstanding Banker of the Year), High Chief Mike Ejiogu (Real Estate Man of the Year); Hon. Miriam Onuoha (Female Legislator of the Year), Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu (Outstanding Legislator of the Year); Ugwumba Uche Nwosu (Human Capital Investor of the Year), Dr. Alex Mbata (Philanthropist of the Year), and Dr. Chijioke Kaduru(Public Health Expert of the Year).
The Omenimo Dance Troupe added vibrancy to the event with their choreographed dance routines and gymnastics.
The day served as a testament to the fact that, despite the capital-intensive nature of publishing, it remains a viable endeavour in the Eastern region.
