By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Ebonyi State Women Inclusion Movement (EBOWIN) has honoured 20 distinguished men and women in the broadcast industry at the 2026 Radio/Television Broadcasters Award of Excellence, held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The event, which celebrated excellence, dedication, and professionalism in broadcasting, also featured rich cultural displays representing the three senatorial zones of the state and attracted dignitaries from across Ebonyi State.
In her address, the National President of EBOWIN, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, who also serves as the Commissioner for Aviation, Transport, and Technology, used the occasion to highlight the inclusive and gender-sensitive policies of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Dr. Obichukwu described the administration as one that has surpassed the 35 per cent affirmative action benchmark, noting that women now occupy more than 50 per cent of appointive and elective positions in the state.
“His Excellency has not failed Ebonyi women. We are now visible, resourceful, and relevant. Ebonyi women are hardworking, prudent, and transparent, and wherever we are assigned, we deliver,” she stated.
She recounted personal experiences that motivated her advocacy for women empowerment, stressing that empowering women directly improves families and society at large.
“When you train a woman, you train her family, her children, and the entire society. A woman who is empowered will take care of herself and her family,” she added, commending the governor and his wife, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for their commitment to women’s welfare and maternal health.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director-General of the Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), Chief Tony Nwizi, commended EBOWIN for recognising broadcasters, noting that the job of media professionals is often under-appreciated.
Chief Nwizi described broadcasting as demanding and pressure-filled, explaining that many unseen hands work behind the scenes to ensure seamless radio and television transmission.
“Behind every presenter you see or voice you hear, there are many professionals working tirelessly. Broadcasting is not easy, and recognition like this helps to encourage and uplift the spirits of practitioners,” he said.
He also reminded broadcasters that awards are rotational, urging those not recognised this year to remain dedicated, as their turn would surely come.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, representing the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Chief Austin Udude—an awardee at the event—expressed surprise at the honour, noting that it would spur him to do more in service to the people.
“I never knew I would be coming to receive an Award of Excellence. This recognition is an encouragement for us to double our efforts, especially in what we are doing in the rural areas,” he said, thanking EBOWIN for finding him worthy among the awardees.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding broadcasters, including Mrs. Nnanna Igwe, Dr. Chinelo Okoro, Sunday Ndukwe, Angela Ekuma, Chisom Ochisi, Abigail Iheukwumere, Fidelis Uloelu, Mrs. Nnanna Uche, Eze James, Mrs. Margaret Igwe, Mrs. Chizoba Nwafor, Mrs. Helen Nweke, Hon. Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Chief Austin Udude, among others.
The ceremony ended on a celebratory note, with awardees expressing gratitude to EBOWIN for recognising their contributions to the growth of broadcasting in Ebonyi State.