The 2026 Annual Conference and Empowerment Programme of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Imo State Chapter, held in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, witnessed another remarkable moment as Hon. Anusiem Oji James was honoured with the prestigious Community Development Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development, exemplary leadership in the oil and gas sector, and dedicated public service.
The conference, held on Thursday, 23rd July, 2026, at the Imo State University Auditorium, Owerri, attracted communication scholars, academics, journalists, media professionals, government officials, political leaders, students, and other stakeholders from across the country.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the award to Hon. Anusiem Oji James by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, who graced the occasion as the Special Guest. The Deputy Governor personally presented the award to Chief Alex Mbakwe, who represented Hon. Anusiem Oji James at the ceremony.
Receiving the award on behalf of the recipient, Chief Alex Mbakwe expressed the profound appreciation of Hon. Anusiem Oji James to the leadership of ACSPN and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State Council, for considering him worthy of such a prestigious recognition.
He described the honour as a source of encouragement and a call to greater service, assuring the gathering that Hon. Anusiem Oji James would continue to champion initiatives that promote community development, youth empowerment, and sustainable socio economic growth.
The conference, themed "Mobilizing Scholars and Professionals as Strategic Communicators for Election Transparency," featured thought provoking presentations by distinguished scholars and communication experts on the role of strategic communication in strengthening democratic governance and promoting credible elections.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uchefula Ugonna Chukwuma (SAN), who served as the Chief Host, Prof. Beb Nwoke, Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo, Professor of Law and former Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, who delivered the keynote address, and Prof. K. O. Nwogwu, who presented the second paper.
Speaking during the event, the State Coordinator of ACSPN, Dr. Mrs. Adeline Nkwam Uwaoma, said the association instituted the awards to recognise individuals whose outstanding achievements and commitment to leadership, community service, and national development continue to inspire excellence and societal transformation.
She noted that Hon. Anusiem Oji James has consistently demonstrated an uncommon passion for the welfare of his people through impactful community based initiatives and selfless public service, making him a deserving recipient of the Community Development Award.
The award presentation reaffirmed ACSPN's commitment to celebrating excellence, recognising outstanding leadership, and encouraging individuals whose contributions continue to make meaningful impacts in their communities and across the nation.
The conference ended with participants commending the organisers for a successful and intellectually rewarding event while calling for sustained collaboration among scholars, professionals, government institutions, and community leaders in advancing communication, good governance, and national development.
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