From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
The Deputy Managing Director of the Zenith Bank Plc, Dr Adaora Umeoji, has been honoured by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, as its 2022 Woman of the Year.
The award was conferred on her at this year’s Press Week / Man of the Year Award ceremony held at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka, the state capital.
This is even as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Paul University, Awka, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, was also installed as the matriarch of the NUJ in the state.
Okunna is the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Before moving to PUA, she had a long and distinguished career in journalism education, particularly at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka where she held several key academic and administrative positions.
The Zenith Bank DMD, Umeoji, who was unavoidably absent at the event, was ably represented by some senior officials of the bank in Anambra led by Chioma Ikwuegbu-Zodos.
Umeoji, who has over 20 years banking experience with a broad background in executive management, commended the NUJ led by its state chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, for finding her worthy of the honour.
“I am so elated that it is coming from my Anambra State Council of the NUJ. I must say I am very, very proud of you. I am very elated to have been able to meet your criteria out of all the other nominees.
“The grace of God made it possible for me to receive this. I appreciate you.
“It is very heart-warming that in her home state, Anambra State, NUJ decided to give her this award. It is very welcoming and well deserving. She definitely appreciates this”, Ikwuegbu-Zodos said.
Chairman of NUJ in the state, Odogwu, explained that Umeoji defeated other nominees to emerge winner of the award. He explained that a painstaking scrutiny of all the nominees was carried out by the union but Umeoji stood tall above all of them.
Odogwu, who revealed that the other nominees also had intimidating credentials and are all respected in their rights, made it clear that the NUJ placed high standards for the award and that it was only Umeoji that met the criteria for this year’s own.
The chairman further explained that Adaora was the first woman to win the NUJ Man of the Year Award since its inception in the state and as such was named the Anambra NUJ Woman of the Year.
In his speech, Chairman of the Man of the Year Award Committee, Mr Onu Nwanosike, said that he was glad that the committee carried out its assignment very well. He commended them for their efforts towards the success of the event.
Chairman of the Press Week Committee, Mr Tony Okafor, said that he was happy that all the activities lined up for the week were very successful. He also thanked members of his committee for their commitments and efforts towards the success of the weeklong ceremony.