South East Media Editors Forum (SEMEF) has honoured Mr. Ifeanyi Ukeje (Veteran Journalist of the Year), Mr. Emmanuel Iheaka (Outstanding Editor of the Year 2016), Mr. Emeka Ahaneku, (Outstanding SA Media of The Year, 2016), Mr. Chidiebube Okeoma (Reporter of The Year, 2016) and Chief Jerry Okolie, a former Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Imo State (Personality Of The Year, 2016) Mr. Innocent Onyeukwu (best online Newspaper Publisher, 2016)
In an award presentation ceremony held in Owerri, Wednesday, September 14, 2016, SEMEF said Mr. Onyeukwu, an astute journalist, was honoured for setting the pace in online journalism in Imo State and the South East, and for setting up the first online newspaper east of the Niger.
In his speech, Chairman of the forum, Mr. Don Uba said the group resolved to honour Mr. Onyeukwu and others for their commitment to journalism in the State and beyond.
He recalled that Mr Onyeukwu having edited several tabloids in Owerri as Editor, Red Parrot Newspaper, Eastern Lumina and founding Editor, Trumpeta Newspaper, said the award is a mark of appreciation for his diligence and hard-work in the journalism profession.
In his remarks after receiving the award, Mr. Onyeukwu said he is delighted, recalling his painstaking efforts to set up the first online newspaper in Imo State and the South East, adding that the award will spur him to redouble his efforts, calling on journalists to stick to the ethics of modern journalism.
He dedicated the award to God and his late Mother, Lolo Catherine and other champions of online newspapering in the South East.
Also conferred an award of honour by SEMEF was Mr. Emmanuel Iheaka, Editor of Owerri based, National Newsbreak Newspaper. Iheaka was recognized as “Outstanding Editor 2016”
SEMEF described him, as a journalist of repute, steadfast and committed to the journalism profession.
In his remarks after the award, Iheaka, a founding Editor of Nigeria Newspoint Newspaper, Owerri, said he is humbled by the award and dedicated to it to all editors in the State.
Iheaka said the award will motivate him and fire up his zeal to continue the good work.
Also recognized was Mr. Emeka Ahaneku, Special Adviser on Media to the Senator Elect, Imo North Senatorial Zone, Hon. Benjamin Uwajumougu.
Emeka Ahaneku was honoured as best “SA Media 2016” by SEMEF for his doggedness and consistency in the job of image making for his boss.
Receiving the award, Ahaneku thanked the organizers for the award, saying he is motivated and highly honoured for his recognition. He said he will not relent as the award is a stepping stone to rededicate himself to the job of image making. Flanked by friends and well wishers, he thanked the organizers of the event for the honour done to him.
Also recognized as Veteran Journalist of the Year 2016, was Mr. Ifeanyi Ukeje of National Newsbreak newspaper who was honoured for his consistency and commitment to the job of journalism for decades.
In his remarks, Ukeje said he is humbled by the award which he described as a reward for his many years in the journalism profession.
Mr. Chidiebube Okeoma, a vibrant journalist with Nigeria Newspoint Newspaper, Owerri was honoured as “Best Reporter of the Year” 2016 for his steadfastness and dedication to journalism and effective news reportage.
Receiving the award, Mr. Okeoma said he is humbled, thanking all God and all those who made it possible for him to bag the award. He described the award as a “big shoe” which is big for him to fill in.
He said he is motivated by the award to surge on to greater heights, dedicating the award to his mother who significantly contributed to his development and growth in the journalism profession.
Chief Jerry Okolie, a former Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and one time Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Owerri, was honoured as Personality of the Year, 2016.
In his remarks after receiving the award, he expressed happiness for the honour, urging the journalists to always stick to the rules that regulate and shape journalism profession.
Okolie, who also doubled as Chairman of the event, reminded journalists on their role in the society, urging them to always stand on the path of the truth. He advised journalists not be deterred by threats.
The event was witnessed by top journalists such as Publisher, Nigeria Horn Newspaper and immediate past chairman, Independent Newspapers Publishers of Imo State (INPA), High Chief Bright Chimezie Njoku, Special Adviser, Media to Secretary to Imo State Government Emeritus, Mr. Ikenna Onuoha and many others.
