EFCC chairman, Mbah, Umahi to grace Enugu NUJ Press Week

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Minister of Works David Umahi, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman Ola Olukoyede are set to attend the grand finale of the 2026 Press Week in Enugu. The ceremony, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists Enugu Correspondents’ Chapel, is scheduled for October 22, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre. Local media professionals anticipate a high-profile gathering featuring discussions on responsible journalism, democratic development, and the media's role in combating corruption. A joint statement released on Tuesday by the organizing committee confirmed the attendance of these three prominent figures. Emma Ugwueze, the committee chairman, and Damian Duruiheoma, the secretary, signed the announcement detailing the program. Governor Mbah will serve as the Chief Guest of Honour. Chief Anthony Ani, a former Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who holds Senior Advocate of Nigeria status, will chair the occasion. Minister Umahi is slated to deliver the guest lecture under the title "Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus." Meanwhile, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede will present the keynote address on "The Role of the Media and Other Critical Stakeholders in Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption." The committee stated that these individuals were selected in recognition of their specific contributions to public service. They highlighted Umahi's visible efforts toward the rehabilitation and revitalization of roads across the country. Additionally, they cited Olukoyede's introduction of reforms aimed at strengthening the operations of the anti-graft commission. The event marks the culmination of a series of activities that began on October 18, 2026. The initial program featured a thanksgiving service held at the Christian Victory Prayer Ministry in Enugu, which is popularly known as Precious Church. Subsequent activities during the week included a football match and a humanitarian outreach effort targeting vulnerable children. The final day's proceedings will include award presentations to distinguished personalities. Several notable figures are expected to receive honors at the ceremony. Recipients listed in the reports include Dr. Ben Nwoye, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress. Dr. Peter Okwudilichukwu Ogbobe, Executive Director of the Projects Development Institute in Enugu, is also among the awardees. Law enforcement representative CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, is expected to receive an award. Other honorees include Peter Eze, the Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission. Amobi Ezeaku, General Manager of Rangers International Football Club, and medical expert Dr. Celestine Chijioke Ugwuoke are also named as recipients. The venue for the finale is identified in some reports as the Lawrence Ugwuanyi Press Centre. The gathering is expected to draw media professionals, government officials, political leaders, and security chiefs. The organizing committee expressed optimism that the discussions would foster meaningful conversations regarding democratic accountability and ethical journalism. These dialogues are intended to prepare stakeholders for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The selection of speakers and themes was described as a careful process designed to address critical issues currently affecting the nation.