The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has named Dr. Adaora Umeoji, the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, as their 2022 Woman of the Year.
She received the honor at the state capital of Awka’s Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre during this year’s Press Week / Man of the Year Award ceremony.
The matriarch of the NUJ in the state was also installed at the same time, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Paul University, Awka.
In Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, Okunna is the first female mass communication professor. She had a lengthy and illustrious career in journalism education prior to her move to PUA, where she held various important academic and administrative roles.
Zenith Bank DMD Umeoji, who was unable to attend the occasion, was well represented by a group of senior bank employees in Anambra, under the direction of Chioma Ikwuegbu-Zodos.
Umeoji, who has over 20 years of banking experience and a strong senior management background, applauded the NUJ, which is led by its state chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, for recognizing her merit.
“I am so elated that it is coming from my Anambra State Council of the NUJ. I must say I am very, very proud of you. I am very elated to have been able to meet your criteria out of all the other nominees.
“The grace of God made it possible for me to receive this. I appreciate you.
“It is very heart-warming that in her home state, Anambra State, NUJ decided to give her this award. It is very welcoming and well deserving. She definitely appreciates this”, Ikwuegbu-Zodos said.
Umeoji overcame other nominees to win the prize, according to Odogwu, chairman of NUJ in the state. The union had painstakingly examined each applicant, he said, but Umeoji stood out as being superior to them all.
Odogwu made it clear that the NUJ set stringent conditions for the award and that only Umeoji satisfied the requirements for this year’s own when he stated that the other contenders also have frightening credentials and are all respected in their rights.
Adaora was chosen the Anambra NUJ Woman of the Year since she was the first woman to receive the NUJ Man of the Year Award since it was established in the state, according to the chairman.
In his speech, Mr. Onu Nwanosike, Chairman of the Man of the Year Award Committee, expressed his happiness with the committee’s excellent performance of its duties. He thanked them for contributing to the event’s success in such a positive way.
Mr. Tony Okafor, chairman of the Press Week Committee, expressed his happiness at the week’s many successful events. Additionally, he complimented his committee members for their dedication and work in making the weeklong ceremony successful.
