By Douglas Princemola
The Imo Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) marked its 14th Anniversary on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with a grand celebration at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, attracting media professionals, political leaders and dignitaries from across the 27 local government areas of Imo State. The ceremony was highlighted by the unveiling of a proposed ₦200 million Media Resource Training Centre, a project aimed at strengthening professional capacity within the print sector.
This year’s event centred on the theme, “Diverse Financing Options for Capacity Building in the Print Media,” reflecting the growing need for sustainable funding models to support and modernize print journalism.
In his keynote presentation, Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, offered a detailed analysis of innovative financing options that could drive media expansion, improve institutional structures and enhance industry resilience.
The anniversary also featured an award ceremony recognising personalities who have made significant contributions to media development, community growth and democratic advancement in Imo State. Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, received the Grand Patron Award, which was accepted on his behalf by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba.
Other honourees included Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Chief Ejike Lucky Chukwu, Rt. Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu, High Chief Mike Ejiogu, Prince Dr. Alex Mbata and Dr. Chijioke Kaduru.
INPA also specially recognised four former Imo governorship candidates—Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Dr. Ejike Chukwu and Ezinwa Sir Stanley Amuchie—for their relationship with the media and their contributions to democratic processes in the state.
Dignitaries present, including Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie and Dr. Ejike Chukwu, reaffirmed their support for the association and encouraged publishers to uphold professionalism, objectivity and investigative reporting. They commended INPA for its consistent role as a watchdog of society and its commitment to the advancement of media standards.
The anniversary celebration extended over a full week, featuring radio engagements, public awareness activities, outreach visits to orphanages and a Thanksgiving service, further underscoring INPA’s dedication to community service and social responsibility.
INPA Chairman, Chief Declan Anaele, expressed deep appreciation for the association’s progress since its establishment fourteen years ago. He acknowledged the grace of God in sustaining the body and reaffirmed INPA’s resolve to strengthen media practice while fostering greater collaboration among stakeholders.
