Imo @ 50: NUJ Chairman Nwanguma, Others Appointed Members of Anniversary Committee

By ThankGod Emeh…

The Imo State Government has inaugurated a 26-member committee to plan and coordinate activities for the 50th anniversary of the creation of Imo State, with the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, appointed as a member.

The committee was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, in a press release issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

According to the release, the initiative is part of the state government’s preparations to ensure a well-organized, inclusive and memorable golden jubilee celebration of the state, which was created on February 3, 1976.

The committee is scheduled to be inaugurated on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Expanded Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Cosmas Iwu, will serve as Chairman of the committee, which comprises key government officials, labour leaders, religious figures, professionals and representatives of critical sectors of society selected to drive the planning and execution of the anniversary activities.

Comrade Nwanguma’s appointment is viewed as a recognition of the strategic role of the media in public enlightenment, citizen mobilization and documentation of Imo State’s historical journey over the past five decades. As NUJ Chairman, he is expected to contribute his expertise in information management, public communication and stakeholder engagement.

Members of the committee include: the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehi; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu; Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Chucks Chukwuemeka; Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development, Ralph Nwosu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Chika Abazu; Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Ernest Ibejiako; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu; Commissioner for Sports, Onyeocha Obinna Evaristus; Commissioner for Education, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha; and Commissioner for Local Government Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Mrs. Ruby Emele and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma.

Imo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi nwanguma JP

Other members are the Head of Service, Chikodi Emenalo, mni; Special Adviser to the Governor on Events Management and Programme Coordination, Sir Bright Nwaelue; ALGON Chairman, Imo State, Engr. Ikenna Adikibe; President of the Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA), Chief Sir Barr. Tony Amadi; Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, SAN; Chairman,  of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State, Rev. Uzoma Uzoeshi, PhD; Chief Imam of Imo State, Barr. Suleiman Njoku; Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo State, Comrade Chigemezu Nwigwe; Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Imo State, Comrade Uchenna Ibe; a representative of Imo State members of the National Assembly; Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe; and President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Imo State, Lady Stella Anyacho.

The committee is tasked with designing programmes and activities that will showcase Imo State’s achievements, rich cultural heritage, resilience of its people and future development aspirations, while also providing opportunities for reflection on challenges and lessons from the past 50 years.

The state government noted that following its inauguration, the committee may constitute sub-committees to handle specific areas such as events planning, publicity, security, culture and documentation.

The Imo @ 50 celebration is expected to attract sons and daughters of the state from within Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as friends of Imo State, making it one of the most significant events in the state’s recent history.