NUJ Hails Emmanuel Onwuka's ECOWAS Media Award Win, Urges Journalists to Seek Opportunities in Cross River

 

Victoria Omini.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Archibong Bassey, has commended Emmanuel Onwuka, publisher of Parallel News, for winning the ECOWAS Award for Media Excellence, where he clinched first place in the online journalism category.

Comrade Archibong Bassey, who received Onwuka at the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar on Monday during the formal presentation of the award, described the achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought pride to journalists in the state.

“Thank you, Emmanuel, for making the NUJ Cross River State Council proud. This is a big win, and I urge us to learn from his example — take that bold step, take that risk. Even if it doesn’t work out, you’ve tried, and trying never hurts. You never know the outcome until you act,” she said.

The NUJ Chairman also prayed for more opportunities for journalists in the state to rise to greater heights and achieve even more notable successes.

In his remarks, Onwuka — who is also a Mandela Washington Fellow — expressed appreciation to the NUJ Cross River Council for its support and guidance over the years. He encouraged journalists in the state to actively seek opportunities, emphasising that Cross River is rich in untold stories the world needs to hear.

“I am grateful to the NUJ for guiding me. I encourage my colleagues to search for and take advantage of opportunities because our state has many stories that deserve global attention,” he said.

The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award celebrates outstanding journalism that promotes regional integration, peace, and development across West Africa.