It was a day of jubilation and excitement on Saturday as media practitioners in Enugu and outside the state gathered to celebrate one of their own,  Chief Honourable Uchenna Cyril Anioke, on his latest win as the National President of Nigerian Publishers Association (NPAN).

Hon. Uchenna Cyril Anioke, the current National President of Nigerian Publishers Association (NPAN) can be said to be among Nigerian Journalists who have dabbled in various sides of journalism, and has used his expertise to reach out to other sectors while still practicing and raising the bar for other Nigerian journalists.

Not only is he an ardent reader and publisher, Uche Cyril Anioke anchors several programmes on solid fm such as ‘Freedom Square, Freedom Square extra, The Eagle,Politics and other Social discuss, which he anchors in both the electronic media(broadcast stations) and social media platforms which he use to not only reach thousands of people, but start healthy debates which if put properly in place can change the fate of a people.

The celebrant who is a graduate of  Mass Communication and a Masters degree holder in Mass Communication, from University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has engaged as an editor with Ilesanmi printing press, Ibadan Oyo state, joined Fourth Dimension, the publishers of the defunct Outlook Newspaper, and also practised with Star Printing press, the publishers of Star Group of Newspapers, both in the old Anambra.

With his wealth of experience, it wont be a thing of surprise to mention that It is worthy to mention that Hon.Anioke fit into the political scene of his state, Enugu. From being just a journalist, to being the Managing Director of Star printing and Publishing company, publishers of Daily star, Managing Director of Enugu state housing corporation, two term chairman of Awgu local government area, Enugu state.

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He went further to gather more political appointments for himself as a one-time National Deputy Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which is the apex body of all Igbo socio cultural organizations for two terms.

Even in the midst of all these political positions, Hon.Anioke authored three books to his name; The Phonics, Missing flute and Moonlight story of Nigeria. He also has a journal and 23 academic lectures to his credit, owns Acena ventures which comprises of Acena bookshops and mini libraries and is the founder of ‘Pens and voices’,an outfit for publishing and mentoring Youths in arts o writing, and developing reading habits.

Anioke is a visiting lecturer, Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development studies, Enugu State University of Science and Technology(ESUT), a trained Mediator and conciliator. Due to all his acumens and excellence, some media friends of his came together to celebrate him in his latest win as National President of Nigeria Publishers Association(NPAN).

The event which attracted so many dignitaries from all sectors, including the former deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, representing Enugu West senatorial district, Hon Toby Okechukwu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River federal constituency and his counterpart, Hon Dennis Oguerinwa Amadi, representing Udi/Ezeagu federal constituency.

The current officials of Nigeria Publishers Association were adequately represented, including the immediate past NPAN president and current National vice President (North),Alhaji Tahir Abdulazeez, and the Chairman of Nigeria Copy rights commission, Dr John Essien who said they are not only in Enugu to celebrate Uche Anioke, but to seek ways of fostering partnership between NPAN and NCC on how to salvage the publishing industry in Nigeria from dying.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Hon Toby Okechukwu and Hon Oguerinwa Amadi, in their respective speeches praised Hon Cyril Anioke, for having impacted in several sectors with his wealth of experience.

When called upon to give his vote of thanks, Hon. Anioke thanked the Enugu state governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Hon Toby Okechukwu,Hon Dennis Oguerinwa Amadi, and others for their support to his election and stated that his visions for the association is to ensure some of are books are written in our indigenous languages.