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The Guardian Newspaper’s journalist, Ann Godwin, has won the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) special recognition award. According to NUJ , the award is giving to journalists who consistently through their careers bring honour and pride to the profession, in addition to contributing to the greater good of the society.
Godwin, Head, South-South Bureau of The Guardian, who in 2022 won the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism-Female Leadership Programme award, has brought significant positive impacts leading to system improvement, enhan- cing citizens’ quality of life.
Her recent work: ‘At UPTH’s ICU, horror, nightmare as caregivers exploit sick and dying patients,’ revealed the horrible experience patients go through and exposed the challenges with oxygen supply to patients. The report attracted Federal Government’s attention, which moved in and completed four oxygen manifold piping facility in the hospital that will cover 100 beds and make the cylinders deliver gas directly to patients.
From the manifold.In his remarks, the State Governor , Siminalayi Fubara, who was also bestowed the , Champion of Peace Award” by the Union commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its unbiased reporting amidst political tensions in the state.Governor Fubara represented by the state Commissioner of Information and Communication Joseph Johnson, noted that the honor was “special” just as he urged journalists in the state to continue their good work, acknowledging the critical role they play in the state’s development.”Journalists are the sensitive nerves of the state, and we appreciate your efforts in reporting the truth without bias,” Governor Fubara said.
In his remarks, the national NUJ President, Ikechukwu Isiguzo, described the recent event hosted by the union as a “sober reflection” due to the five-year hiatus since the last gathering.In his address, the NUJ President expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his support, ensuring the success of the event. He assured the governor of the union’s continued commitment to upholding the principles of journalism.”The event served as a reminder of our responsibility to the profession and the state,” the NUJ President said. “We appreciate the governor’s support and look forward to continued collaboration.”Reacting, Godwin thanked the NUJ for the award and acknowledging the impacts of her works.
She also expressed delight that members of the NUJ committee, executives found her works and impacts worthy of the prestigious award. Godwin said, she does her works by passion and propelled by the social responsibility theory which encourages individuals to discharge their civic duties with the aim of improving the quality of lives of the people. She said, the award will encourage her and other journalists to remain courageous, bold to discharging more of their civic duties with high professionalism, dexterity to continue making significant impacts in the society and improving the quality of lives of the people.
“Journalists should not be deterred in embarking on outstanding works that will bring desired impacts in the society irrespective of the daunting challanges facing us in the country”” in the present Nigeria where the economy is in anamieac state, institutions weak, infrastructure collapsing, growth staunted, we need courageous journalists who will be firm to uphold ethical standards, beam their searchlights in the dark areas and through the unbiased and professional reports change the narrative and rebuild the country”Godwin who is a media coach said, has inspired her to strive for excellence in all her works for the goor of the profession and society at large.
Some veteran like Ignatius Chukwu ,Regional Editor of BusinessDay, Ibim Semenitari, former Commissioner for Information and Communications , Ogbonna Nwuke, former Commissioner for Information and Communications among others recieved lifetime Achievement award, while other journalists received awards in various categoriesGodwin has also bagged an award of excellence from the Advancing Women In Business (ADWIB) following her contribution to the growth of journalism practice and impacts of her reports to women in the South-South Region and the nation at large.
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