By Archibong Jeremiah
Members of the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, NUCJ University of Calabar chapter have bestowed the Award of Excellence on the Vice Chancellor of the School, Professor James Epoke, Editor-In-Chief of CrossRiverWatch, Mr. Agba Jalingo, Weekend Editor, Nigerian Chronicle, Mrs. Florence Oluohu.
The honor was given to the trio during the handing over and swearing in of the 2015/2016 academic session executives of the chapter on Wednesday January 27, 2015 in Calabar.
Chairman of the event, Mr. Bassey Ekerette congratulated members of the union and described journalism as a noble profession.
Mr. Bassey applauded the outgoing Raymond Ekemini led executive for a successful administration and the handing over while urging the new executive members to be diligent in their duties and emulate the footsteps of their predecessor.
Professor Epoke who could not make it to the event sent his felicitations to members of the Union and urged them to keep the light shining.
Mr. Agba Jalingo who was awarded for his contribution to the development of campus journalism and leadership excellence while speaking charged the campus journalists to continually seek to expand their horizon and always bear in mind that journalism is a very potent tool in the hands of practitioners to change society for the better.
He encouraged them to venture more into investigative journalism to help build not just a better campus community but to also reduce impunity in the larger society.
Agba, who was represented by Archibong Jeremiah informed the students that CrossRiverWatch in collaboration with the Association of Cross River Online Journalists, ACROJ, is committed to sharpening the skills of anyone who is ready to develop a profession in online journalism.
On her part, the Weekend Editor of Chronicle, Mrs. Florence Oluohu who was also awarded for her contributions to campus journalism and leadership excellence tasked the campus journalists to shun arm chair journalism as well as brown envelop journalism because according to her, those are unethical and detrimental practices that hamper the development of the profession, particularly for the younger generation.
Mrs. Florence further encouraged the new exco to follow the path of their predecessors who because of their zest for ethical conduct stepped on many toes and had a lot of setbacks but were not deterred from going further and achieving their goals.
The SUG President of the school, Emmanuel Ajang who was on hand to receive his award was however not on ground for any reaction because he left the event before its climax.
Speaking during his valedictory speech, the out gone President, Ekemini Raymond John commended his entire executive members that served with him and pointed out that his 7 points agenda introduced during the beginning of his administration were achieved before the expiration of his tenure.
The new President of the Union, Pepple Gilbert Uduak in his acceptance speech pledged to complement the strides of his predecessors. He encouraged all the Union members to give him maximum support as enjoyed by the past administration.
The new executives of the Union include: Pepple Gilbert Uduak, President, Emmanuel James, Vice President, Nnabiget Oke, General Secretary, Sunday Ezama ,Director of Projects, Ayara Mfonobong Financial Secretary, and Nwagboh Emmanuel, Director of Projects.
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