Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah; Minister of Works, David Umahi; and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, are among the prominent dignitaries expected at the grand finale of the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu Correspondents’ Chapel, on Thursday, October 22.
The grand finale, scheduled to hold at the NUJ Press Centre, Enugu, will feature discussions on responsible journalism, democratic development and the media’s role in the fight against corruption, with Mbah expected as the Chief Guest of Honour.
While Umahi will deliver the guest lecture, Olukoyede will deliver the keynote address at the event, which is expected to attract media professionals, government officials, political leaders, security chiefs and other stakeholders.
The Chairman and the Secretary of the Press Week Organising Committee, Comrades Emmanuel Ugwueze and Damian Duruiheoma, respectively, disclosed this in a statement announcing the activities and programme for the celebration.
The committee said Umahi and Olukoyede were selected in recognition of their respective roles in public service, particularly the minister’s efforts in road infrastructure development and the EFCC chairman’s leadership of the country’s anti-corruption campaign.
“While His Excellency David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, is making visible efforts towards the rehabilitation and revitalisation of several roads across the country, the EFCC Chairman, Mr Olukoyede, has also introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the operations of the anti-graft commission,” the statement said.
The event will be chaired by a former Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Anthony Ani, SAN.
Umahi will speak on the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus,” while Olukoyede will address the sub-theme, “The Role of the Media and Other Critical Stakeholders in Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption.”
The grand finale will also feature the recognition of distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
Among those expected to be honoured at the event are the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Ben Nwoye; the Executive Director of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Dr Peter Okwudilichukwu Ogbobe and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa.
Others are the Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission, Mr Peter Eze; General Manager of Rangers International Football Club, Mr Amobi Ezeaku, medical expert, Dr Celestine Chijioke Ugwuoke, among others.
The grand finale will climax a series of activities organised by the Chapel to mark the 2026 Press Week, which commenced on Sunday, October 18, with a thanksgiving service at the Christian Victory Prayer Ministry, also known as Precious Church, in Enugu.
The thanksgiving service provided an opportunity for members to commit the Chapel, its leadership, members and the entire Press Week programme to God.
The activities continued on Monday, October 19, with the Chapel’s participation in a radio programme on Solid 100.9 FM, Enugu, where journalists discussed the Press Week and its planned activities alongside representatives of PRODA.
On Tuesday, October 20, the Chapel is scheduled to engage the PRODA team in a novelty football match at the Rangers Training Pitch, Independence Layout, Enugu, as part of activities designed to promote camaraderie, unity and stronger institutional relationships.
The programme will continue on Wednesday, October 21, with a visit to a motherless babies’ home, where members are expected to demonstrate the Chapel’s commitment to humanitarian service and care for vulnerable children.
The organising committee said the activities were designed to combine professional engagement, spiritual reflection, sportsmanship and humanitarian outreach, while providing a platform for journalists and other stakeholders to reflect on the responsibilities of the media ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee expressed optimism that the grand finale would provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations on democratic accountability, ethical journalism and the need for stronger collaboration between the media, government and other institutions in tackling corruption.
It called on invited dignitaries, media professionals and other stakeholders to attend the grand finale and contribute to discussions on strengthening democracy and promoting responsible journalism in Nigeria.
Mbah, Umahi, Olukoyede to herald NUJ Press Week Grand Finale in Enugu