Delta NUJ Secretary, Patrick Ochei, Bags Exemplary Leadership Award

The Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel, Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has honoured the 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 Indigenous Correspondents’ chapel held on Thursday 27th April, 2023, in Asaba.

Handing over the plaque, the chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Kenneth Orusi said the award is in recognition of Deacon Ochei’s role to the development of journalism, leadership prowess and peace building stance in the union.

He added that the award implies that Ochei is the Life Leader of the chapel, while calling on him never to stop assisting it to grow and maintain its leading recognition as the Most Democratic Chapel with the State Council of NUJ.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Ochei said he was overwhelmed by the surprise of this magnitude.

He however accepted the award with all sense of humility and responsibility, promising to double his effort in doing that which delights the chapel members and colleagues in NUJ.

Ochei who is also a member of the chapel, pledged to continue to offer his passionate services to the growth of the chapel, 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 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 added.