NUJ Press Week Kicks Off Today

The 2009 Press Week of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council will be officially declared open today.
According to the programme of activities signed by the NUJ Chairman, Mr Opaka Dokubo and the Chairman of the Press Week committee, Mr Vicent Needum, the opening ceremony is expected to be chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the Silverbird Communications, Mr. Ben Murray Bruce, while the Rivers State Governor, Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi will serve as the guest of honour.
Activities marking the Press Week commenced last Friday with a procession through some major streets in Port Harcourt by members of the union and had the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mrs Semenitari Ibim and the former NUJ President, Mr Ndagene Akwu in attendance. This was followed by a Jumat Service at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, where the Chief Imam of the mosque prayed for journalists and enjoined them to continue holding the public accountable for the overall progress of the country.
Yesterday, the Press Week activities continued with a church service at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt, where the officiating priest, Reverend Rogers Jumbo prayed for the progress of the union and for cooperation between the Press and the society.
Other highlights of the weeklong celebration include facility visits to selected establishments in the State including PABOD Breweries Plc, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, De United Food Industries Limited (DUFIL) makers of Indomie, and some charity homes on Tuesday. This will be followed by a public lecture on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre, where the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Newswatch Magazine, Mr Ray Ekpu is expected to present a paper on The Ethics of Journalism. Also, the British Council, among others are expected to present papers on the use of computers.
Other events include a novelty football match on Thursday and gala/award night on Friday at the Hotel Presidential.
The week will be rounded off on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at Royal House of Grace International Church, Mile 4, Port Harcourt.

Boye Salau