Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
AWKA, Anambra – The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Strategic Communication, Dr. Law Mefor, has described the Anambra State Correspondents’ Chapel as one of the most formidable bodies of journalists in the state.
Dr. Mefor made this remark while speaking at the Correspondents’ Chapel end-of-year party held on Thursday. He noted that the Chapel’s numerical strength, professionalism, and influence in shaping public opinion make it a formidable force in the media landscape.
According to him, correspondents play a critical role in governance and societal development, stressing that the government must always work closely with the body to achieve meaningful results.
He commended members of the Chapel for their responsible and balanced reportage of activities in Anambra State.
“You have reported Anambra State from the school of thought of responsible journalism,” he said.
The commissioner also praised the Chapel for its professional coverage of the Anambra State 2025 governorship election, noting that the peaceful nature of the election was partly sustained by the responsible manner in which journalists reported the process.
He explained that had correspondents reported otherwise, it could have created issues of credibility and integrity, with possible negative consequences for the state.
Dr. Mefor, however, expressed concern that some individuals who ought to have been present at the event were absent.
“I learned that there is a crisis between the Correspondents’ Chapel and some other bodies. This is not good for the journalism profession,” he said.
He appealed to be allowed to intervene and help resolve the crisis, stressing that journalists cannot operate in isolation or division and still make the desired impact in the state.
“I promise to step in and help settle the issues between the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, and the Correspondents’ Chapel, Anambra State,” he assured.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Chief Chuks Ilozue, said the Chapel was not founded by negative forces, despite several attempts by some individuals to cripple it.
He said that in spite of all odds, the Chapel had continued to blossom, with its members winning numerous awards at both state and national levels.
“We were not deterred by the negative forces that attempted to cripple us. Instead, the Chapel blossomed, with members winning awards at state and national levels. Just last week, Comrade Aloysius Attah of The Sun Newspapers won the Rukayat Danjuma Nigeria Media Merit Award for Reporter of the Year in Health, while Mr. Emma Elekwa of The Nation emerged runner-up in the Agriculture category. Mr. Attah had earlier won this year’s Professor Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism,” he said.
He further noted that several other members, including David Eleke, Obinna Odogwu, and Titus Eleweke, had also brought honour to the Chapel through their outstanding performances in various competitions.
Chief Ilozue added that the Chapel had continued to enjoy cordial relationships with a wide cross-section of well-wishers.
“This year, for instance, witnessed the endowment of the Correspondents’ Chapel Media Merit Award, instituted by a philanthropist and lover of the Correspondents,” he added.
Meanwhile, Aloysius Attah of The Sun Newspapers emerged winner of the maiden edition of the corespondents Media Merit Award.
