By Onomiguren Agbamu
It was celebration galore at Kwale Township Stadium, Ndokwa West Local Government, Delta State on January 4, 2024, in honour of the publisher, Ndokwa Vanguard who has journeyed in the media for the past 30 years.
Men, women from all works of life were at the event to grace the occasion of the renowned CEO and publisher of the indigenous newspaper in Delta state.
Speaking at the top-notch celebration, the publisher of Ndokwa Vanguard, Mr. Alaska Ekele said the journey began when one Chuddy Oduenyi was the Advert Manager of Vanguard newspaper in 1993. He said the Advert Manager employed him in the media outfit just because of his fine handwriting.
Alaska while appreciating and attributing his success story to his primary four teacher, Mr. Ezekiel Ekakitie who modelled him in Calligraphic/ Cursive writing, stressing that he was the brain behind the opportunity.
He commended Vanguard Newspapers for laying the groundwork for his career and outlined his vision for a Research Centre in Ukwuani land, aimed at dispelling misinformation about the region and preserving cultural heritage.
He passionately appealed for support from the public and private sectors to realize the noble course.
Speaking at the occasion Chief Gideon Ishiekwene said the Research Centre as initiated by Alaska Ekele is a laudable project and urges well meaning sons and daughters of Ukwuani land to key into the project. Also speaking, Chief Solomon Igulu, urged sons and daughters, particularly those in political positions and offices to help to grow local media in the area.
While commending the Ndokwa vanguard publisher for his commitment in the media work, the state Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by his SSA on Community Newspaper, Prince Oromorokpai, said “Ndokwa Vanguard’s profound impact on the grassroots by disseminating vital information on behalf of the government is worthy of commendation. The state governor also commended Alaska Ekele for his initiative to build a Research Centre in his local government. He said the Research Centre when established would have positive impact on the people in many folds, adding that the initiative is in line with the MORE Agenda.
The Governor said his administration would partner with community newspapers in the state for effective propagation of his achievements in the state.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration hinted at a forthcoming review of existing community newspapers, signaling a commitment to enhancing their effectiveness and reach.
Also at the occasion, the CEO of Ndokwa Reporters and chairman of Delta Online Publishers Forum, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, highlighted Ekele’s dedication and emphasized the critical role of grassroots newspapers in preserving authentic stories and cultural identity. He urged increased support for their sustainability and growth.
Enebeli raised concerns over the lack of support of community and leaders for local newspapers, pointing out the critical role these papers play in preserving authentic stories, just as he called for collective action, urging increased support and resources for sustainability and growth.
Additionally, Dr. Barr Chukwudi Onyema Okwelum the Guest Lecturer at the occasion highlighted the pivotal role of Mr. Ekele and the Ndokwa Vanguard in projecting the tradition and culture of the Ukwuani people. He emphasized the paper’s contributions to exposing Ukwuani to the world and called for support from the people of the area.
The event, which was spiced with traditional music, ended with the launching and unveiling of a One Million Naira Research Centre in Ukwuani land, set to house various facilities for cultural preservation and knowledge dissemination.
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