Citing the words of Martin Luther King Jr, “When the history of a period comes to be written, a noble man’s name is written in gold”, the number two journalist in the State said: “Today is a day of history, presenting ample opportunity to celebrate one of the best hands in journalism and a cerebral public speaker. Comrade Norbert Chiazor epitomizes nobility in all aspects of the word.
Comrade Ochei who went memory lane, recalled how the former chairman helped in moulding and making him who he is today.
Hear him: “I find it privileged to talk about this enigma today. I am what I am today because he endorsed it. As soon as I found myself within the fold of NUJ as a practicing journalist.
“I took interest in following steps of those who are in the profession to make a difference. Comrade Norbert Chiazor was one of the exceptional few and I held on to him tenaciously. He was then the Chairman, Delta State Council of NUJ”.
According to quintessential journalist and publisher of a local tabloid, Anioma Trust, during his second coming as Chairman, my then professional guide, Comrade David Diai, pulled me along to project Chiazor for a second term ticket based on the visibility of his leadership.
“This was a man who started the construction of NUJ Press Centre to roofing stage, took over 40 journalists from Delta to study in Reuters Journalism Institute in London, attracted so much patronage to NUJ and more.
“Chiazor later retired as Deputy General Manager of DBS Warri and almost immediately, was rewarded with an appointment by His Excellency Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as Special Assistant (Media).
“Being a top-notch in the media constituency and considering his unique media activities, the Governor promoted him to Senior Special Assistant (Media). I make bold to say that Norbert Chiazor is the cynosure of all eyes within the media team of the Governor.
“Some call him Caesaro but those of us who are looking up to him as our mentor call him ‘The Wordsmith’. Chiazor has this poetic license whose originality is too hard to copy.
“When it was time for him to pass the baton of leadership to his successor in NUJ, he beckoned on me and said, Pat, you are a progressive young man that has shown so much tenacity in journalism practice.
“I will like you to come to the Council to contribute your quota to the growth of journalism in the State. He made it happen with the support of other critical stakeholders of the Union.
“All hail my leader. It’s world’s Chiazor Day. I celebrate you for everything. Thank you for being a dependable mentor.
“My prayer for you is that you will reach more heights and conquer territories. The grace of God is upon you to be fruitful and continually multiply in good works”, Deacon Ochei prayed.
