Chigozie NwabunwannePresident, Union of Campus Journalist, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UCJ-UNN) chapter Miss Ndidiamaka Ede has been conferred with ‘Campus Journalist of the Year’ award by Mass Communication Students Association (MACSA) of the school.
Staff Adviser of the department Dr. Ike Ugbor and the president of MACSA Mr. Isaac Chibuife in separate interviews described the award winner (Miss Ede) as an Indefatigable, focused and hardworking student.
The award presented by MACSA President Mr. Isaac Chibuife to Miss Ede on the occasion of MACSA Dinner/Award Night held at Padelia suits, Nsukka, was in recognition of her commitment to campus journalism.
MACSA president, Chibuife, expressed gratitude to the departmental association’s executive members for unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions.
He said Miss Ede deserved the award because she has immensely influenced the growth of Students Journalists on campus.
In his words: “we the student body, department and UNN as whole have felt the impact of UCJ ever since Miss Ede assumed office. UCJ has taken a new dimension, like never before, we have seen an influx of new writers who are passionate about what they do. Seeing students writing is not just ordinary, it takes strong motivation from someone in her position and we are happy to see student writers emerging from the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ-UNN).
“Her impact of course spreads across the students’ body, such is seen when she served as MACSA Director of Welfare during the 2021/2022 session, there we see how she cares for people around her, especially her fellow students. She also catered for students with special needs so much. So she has done wonderfully well.
“I only have one word to qualify her and that is ‘lndefatigable.”
“So, we give her this award to appreciate her for the work she has been putting in since day one and to encourage her to do more,” Mr. Chibuife stated.
The MACSA Staff Adviser, Dr. Ike Ugbor, said Miss Ede deserves the award because she is a hardworking and focused person.
Dr. Ugbor highlighted the relentless efforts of Miss Ede in keeping the activities of the the student body moving.
“For having been able to serve in the students’ body and other positions makes her different, and most importantly having been able to balance her academics, socal and political affairs, she deserves the award,” said the Staff Adviser.
“Balancing of life in campus has been my emphasis and that has been my advice to every student of the department “ he further remarked.
In an interview with Miss Ede, popularly known as ‘Impeccable’ in the department she expressed her excitement for receiving the award.
“I am very excited about this award, and I am thankful to God for bringing me this far. It hasn’t been easy, but I have been a Campus Journalist since my 200L.
“I have written for many media platforms, starting with Prime Business Africa as a journalism mentee. Thanks to Dr. Marcel Mbamalu, the Publisher of Prime Business Africa, and Mr. Victor Ezeja, an editor at Prime Business Africa, for honing my writing skills as a journalist,” Miss Ede stated.
She further expressed her gratitude to the Mass Communication Lecturers for their immense contribution to her growth. “I will never stop appreciating my lecturers, Dr. Chidiebere Nwachukwu, Prof. Michael Ukonu, Dr. Ike Ugbor, Dr. Blessing Onuoha, Dr. Ozioma Nwokedi, Dr. Edit Ohaja, and the HOD of the Mass Communication Department, Prof. Joseph Wogu, to mention but a few. They have all greatly contributed to my growth as a Mass Communication student and as a writer.
“I am happy that this achievement is not just for me but for the fact that I am able to impact others,” she said.
The final year student of the Mass Communication Department, continued: “I am happy that it is not just about me, but the fact that I am able to teach others and they are willing to learn. I am referring to UCJ members; I am proud of those who are willing to learn. As you can see, someone like Kenechukwu Onah was awarded the writer of the year. This brings me happiness.”
“Although I have not been doing all of this expecting an award, I do it because I love it. It is my passion to write, motivate and guide my members to write while making them see the essence of writing. I relish the challenge each passing day,” the UCJ-UNN President stated.
Speaking about her plans after graduation, Miss Ede expressed her determination to continue working towards becoming a prominent media personality and a journalist known for reporting the truth and contributing to the development of society through her writing.
Other notable students who received merit awards at the event include Mr. Emmanuel Eze, UCJ-UNN vice president, who was awarded ‘The Most Outstanding Student Of The Year’. Mr. Elijah Akuma, popularly known as ‘the Advocate’, received an award of honor for the ‘Most Impactful Leadership of the Year’. Mr. Ifeanyi Obi, the Faculty of Arts Students Association president-elect, was awarded the ‘Most Influential Student Of the Year’. Esther Sunday, former MACSA Vice-President, was recognized as the ‘Distinguished Personality of the Year’. Kenechukwu Onah, a UCJ UNN member, was awarded ‘Writer of the Year’, among others.
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