Anambra Central Deserves Better: Ikezue Begins Senatorial Push with NUJ Outreach
By Chizoba Njaka
Labour Party Senatorial aspirant for Anambra Central, Venerable Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has described his bid for the Senate as a “rescue mission” aimed at restoring effective representation and dignity to the zone.
Venerable Ikezue made the declaration during the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council congress held at the council’s secretariat in Awka. He was represented at the event by his Campaign Manager, Comrade Okechukwu Cyril Nwuche.
Speaking on behalf of the aspirant, the Campaign Manager, Comrade Nwuche said the visit was to extend a hand of friendship to NUJ Anambra and to formally inform the union of Venerable Ikezue’s senatorial ambition. “His intention to contest for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat is based on a rescue mission and mandate,” he said.
Comrade Nwuche recalled: “There was a time he asked, ‘Does Anambra Central still have a Senator and what is going on?’' Therefore, assured journalists that Ikezue possesses the integrity, doggedness, and commitment worthy of their support through balanced and widespread reportage. “Anambra Central will not lag behind anymore. I’m telling you, for real,” stressing that the aspirant wants to work closely with the union going forward.
The Campaign Manager further observed that the challenges currently facing the journalism profession closely resemble those encountered by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities. He emphasized that these issues require decisive action, noting that the welfare of journalists is of paramount importance. He added that all necessary measures must be taken to enable journalists to carry out their duties with independence and integrity across all sectors of the media.
NUJ must advocate for improved welfare and working conditions for its members. When journalists are adequately remunerated, the practice of accepting monetary inducements, commonly referred to as the “brown envelope,” will be significantly reduced, he added. He expressed appreciation for the NUJ and assured the union of his support, pledging that if elected, NUJ would recognize him as a true ally.
In his Lecture titled, "The Essence of Journalism" Veteran Nigerian journalist and Fellow of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Sir Victor Agusiobo, reaffirmed that the core objective of journalism remains constant despite rapid developments in technology and artificial intelligence.
Sir Agusiobo described the profession as the systematic process of gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information. He noted that while technology has improved the speed and reach of news dissemination, it cannot substitute for quality content or professional integrity. “No level of advanced technology or artificial intelligence can compensate for poor journalism. Technology is not a replacement for substance,” he stated.
He further identified financial instability as a significant threat to ethical journalism, advising practitioners to pursue alternative income streams such as small-scale enterprises, cooperative ventures, and independent blogging to maintain independence. He also cautioned against dual roles that could compromise impartiality, including serving as a personal assistant.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, expressed appreciation for the outcome of the meeting and the insights shared, noting that they would be of significant benefit to journalists in the state.
Comrade Odogwu further commended the aspirant for the outreach and pledged the union’s support, particularly in promoting his campaign through media coverage.