The Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel, Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has honoured one of her own and State Secretary of NUJ, Comrade (Deacon) Patrick Ochei with an award of excellence and exemplary leadership in the State and beyond.
The award was presented during the Congress of the chapel by the chairman, Comrade Kenneth Orusi on Thursday 27th April, 2023, in Asaba.
Orusi on handing over the plaque, said the award is in recognition of Deacon Patrick Ochei’s role to the development of journalism in the State and beyond, including his leadership prowess and peace building stance in the union.
He also said that, by the award, Ochei remains the Life Leader of the chapel, thereby calling on him never to stop assisting it to grow and maintain its leading recognition as the Most Democratic Chapel within the Delta State Council of NUJ.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade (Deacon) Patrick Ochei said he was overwhelmed by the ambush on him with an award of this magnitude.
Never the less, he accepted the award with every sense of humility and responsibility, promising to double effort in doing that which delights the chapel members and colleagues in Delta State Council of NUJ.
He pledged to continue to offer his passionate services to the growth of the chapel, and particularly doing all that it takes to raise the bar in journalism practice in the State.
He recalled how he passed through the tutelage of some senior colleagues like David Diai, Late Stella Akpomughe-Egberenede, Chief Gabriel Awodeha and others who left the chapel for him and Comrade Spence Friday Idighri to pilot to stability.
The dutiful Congress Secretary however, elatedly reported that so far, the chapel had earned its name as a strong and formidable chapel among the comity of chapels in the State Council.
His words, “I dedicate this award to God Almighty, my greatest source of inspiration. I also dedicate it to my family who has continued to give me the peace that is required to be a diligent and tenacious journalist.
“Again, I dedicate this award to my chapel for the great support and cooperation I have enjoyed from them over the years leading to my election into the State Council. I feel proud of the majority of Journalists in the State, who have continued to believe in my humble person and have continued to support me.
“This is a great honour to me over and above every other award I had received in the past. I cherish it with every sense of responsibility and humility. And I pledge to continue to do my best to serve in the journalism profession that has brought all of us together. Thank you and God bless”, Ochei appreciated.
