By Grace Ben Kato
All is now set for the 2026 Press Week, of the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
A statement by the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Samuel Atuluku, said the week-long programme will commence on Friday, October 23, 2026 with a Jumaat Service at the Ministry of Education Jumaat Mosque, Lokoja, while the Christian Church Service will hold on Sunday, October 25, at the CEFN Zonal Headquarters Church, Ganaja Junction.
According to the statement, the activities will continue with an endurance walk by members on Monday, October 26, followed by a free medical outreach on Tuesday, October 27, while the grand finale will hold on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja by 10:00 a.m.
The statement explained that the Press Week is an annual stocktaking of the activities of the Union, during which members engage in social responsibility initiatives and advocacy for the benefit of society.
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is to serve as Special Guest of Honour, while the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, will be the Guest of Honour. Hon. Umar Yahaya, member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, will be Chairman of the Occasion.
The theme for this year’s Press Week is “Professional and Ethical Standards in Election Reporting: The Journalist as a Guardian of Democracy”, with Alhaji Dahiru Mojeed, Lead Consultant, Lizzy Waters Ltd, Abuja as Guest Speaker.
As is customary, the Union will confer awards on deserving individuals and organizations that have impacted society. The awardees are: HRH, The Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV – Award of Distinguished Traditional Leadership, HRH, The Onu Abocho and Paramount Ruler of Biraidu, HRH Ajofe Okai Jonah Idrisu – NUJ Excellent Humanitarian Services Award and Mangal Cement – NUJ Award of Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility.
Others are: Executive Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Sule Salihu Enehe – NUJ Award of Excellence in Tax Administration and Reforms, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe – NUJ Award of Excellence in Youth/Sports Development and Hon. Tim Nda Diche – Champion of Peaceful Politics and Democratic Values award.
The Union called on relevant stakeholders and invited guests to support the programme in order to justify the media as the fourth estate of the realm.

