Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Works Minister David Umahi and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman Ola Olukoyede are expected to attend the closing event of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ 2026 Press Week in Enugu on Thursday, October 22.
The finale, to be held at the NUJ Press Centre in Enugu, will centre on accountable reporting, democratic progress and the media’s contribution to anti-corruption efforts. Mbah is billed to serve as Chief Guest of Honour, while Umahi will present the guest lecture and Olukoyede will give the keynote speech. Journalists, public officials, politicians, security leaders and other interested parties are expected to participate.
Emmanuel Ugwueze, chairman of the Press Week Organising Committee, and Damian Duruiheoma, its secretary, announced the schedule and programme for the event. The committee said Umahi and Olukoyede were invited because of their public-sector records, pointing to the minister’s work on road infrastructure and the EFCC chief’s stewardship of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency.
“His Excellency David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, is undertaking visible work to restore and improve roads in different parts of the country, while the EFCC Chairman, Mr Olukoyede, has introduced changes intended to reinforce the anti-corruption commission’s operations,” the statement said.
Chief Anthony Ani, SAN, a former Enugu State attorney-general and commissioner for justice, will chair the occasion. Umahi’s address will examine “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus,” while Olukoyede will speak on “The Role of the Media and Other Critical Stakeholders in Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption.”
The event will additionally recognise individuals considered to have made notable contributions in their professions and communities. Those due to receive honours include Barrister Ben Nwoye, deputy national chairman for the South of the All Progressives Congress; Dr Peter Okwudilichukwu Ogbobe, executive director of the Projects Development Institute, or PRODA, Enugu; and Enugu State Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa.
Other intended honourees include Peter Eze, Enugu State’s representative at the Federal Character Commission; Amobi Ezeaku, general manager of Rangers International Football Club; and medical specialist Dr Celestine Chijioke Ugwuoke, among others.
The Thursday gathering concludes a programme of events for the 2026 Press Week that began on Sunday, October 18, with a thanksgiving service at Christian Victory Prayer Ministry, also called Precious Church, in Enugu. The service enabled Chapel members to pray for the organisation, its officers, members and the full Press Week programme.
On Monday, October 19, Chapel members appeared on Solid 100.9 FM in Enugu to discuss the Press Week agenda with representatives of PRODA. The following day, Tuesday, October 20, the Chapel is scheduled to play a novelty football fixture against the PRODA team at the Rangers Training Pitch in Enugu’s Independence Layout. The match is intended to encourage fellowship, cohesion and closer ties between institutions.
Activities will continue on Wednesday, October 21, with a visit to a home for abandoned babies. Members are expected to use the visit to demonstrate the Chapel’s commitment to humanitarian work and support for vulnerable children.
The organising committee said the programme brings together professional discussion, religious reflection, sporting activity and social outreach. It is also intended to give journalists and other participants room to consider the media’s obligations as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Committee members said they expect the grand finale to foster substantive discussion about democratic accountability, journalistic ethics and closer cooperation among the press, government and other institutions in confronting corruption. They urged invited guests, media practitioners and other stakeholders to attend and take part in the conversation on improving democracy and responsible journalism in Nigeria.
