The President, Union of Campus Journalists, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UCJ-UNN), Miss Ndidiamaka Ede has been conferred with the meritorious award of ‘ campus journalist of the year’ by the UNN Mass Communication Students Association (MACSA).
The award presented to Ede is in recognition of her commitment towards promoting campus journalism in UNN. It was presented to the final year mass communication student on the occasion of MACSA dinner/award night held recently at Padelia suits, Nsukka.
MACSA dinner/award night is an event where achievers in the department are recipients of awards for their contributions and achievements to the department.
The event commenced with a speech by the department’s president, Isaac Chibuife, who expressed gratitude for the unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions of the entire team.
Chibuife said that Ede deserved the award because she has influenced the growth of student journalists in the campus.
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 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 saw 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 ‘indefatigable’
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,” Chibuife stated.
The Staff Adviser of the department, Dr. Ike Ugbor described the award winner (Ede) as indefatigable, focused and hardworking.
Ugbor also vouched for the UCJ UNN president, stating that she deserved the award.
He further spoke about the relentless efforts and contributions Ede has made towards the student body so far.
“For being able to serve in the students’ body, other positions and made a remarkable difference and most importantly being able to balance her academics, social and political affairs on campus, she deserves the award,” said he.
In her acceptance speech, Ede expressed her excitement for being recognized and bestowed with an award.
“I am very excited about this award and I am thankful to God for bringing me this far. It hasn’t been easy. I have been a Campus Journalist since my 200 level.
“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 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.
Speaking about her plans after graduation, 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 personalities who received awards include Emmanuel, the UCJ-UNN vice president, who bagged the most outstanding student of the year. Elijah Akuma received an award for the most impactful leadership of the year. Ifeanyi Obi, President-elect, Faculty of Arts Students Association was bestowed with the Most influential student of the year, Esther Sunday, former MACSA vice-president was recognized as the Distinguished personality of the year and Kenechukwu Onah, a UCJ UNN member was presented with the writer of the year award.