Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Mbama Okiro, presenting the Award of Excellence and Resourceful Veteran Journalist to Newsxtra Magazine Publisher, Uloma Peace Okorie, during the NUJ FCT Press Week in Abuja.
By Uloma Peace Okorie
Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Mbama Okiro, has described the Publisher of Newsxtra Magazine, Uloma Peace Okorie, as one of the most hardworking and dedicated journalists he encountered during his years in active service, saying her recent honour by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, was well deserved.
Okiro made the remarks in Abuja during the NUJ FCT Press Week celebration where Okorie was honoured with the Award of Excellence and Resourceful Veteran Journalist in the Federal Capital Territory.
Presenting the award before an audience of journalists, media executives, public officials and dignitaries, the former police boss recalled his long-standing relationship with the veteran journalist, noting that Uloma consistently distinguished herself through professionalism, persistence and ethical journalism throughout her career.
Going down memory lane, Okiro recounted how the Newsxtra Magazine publisher covered his activities right from his days as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, to his appointment as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, and later as Inspector-General of Police.
According to him, few journalists demonstrated the level of commitment and consistency that Uloma brought into journalism over the years.
“Uloma has worked very hard for this profession. I have known her for many years, right from my days as Lagos CP, DIG Operations and later as Inspector-General of Police. She was always there doing her work professionally and diligently,” Okiro stated.
He added, “This award did not come by chance. It is a recognition of years of sacrifice, commitment and dedication to journalism. A hardworking journalist and publisher like Uloma should never be ignored. The award is apt and highly deserved.”
The former IGP further commended the NUJ FCT Council for recognising veteran journalists who have continued to contribute immensely to the growth of the media industry and the development of the country through responsible journalism.
Okiro also used the occasion to advise journalists across Nigeria to remain ethical and objective in the discharge of their duties, stressing that the media remains a critical institution in sustaining democracy and national development.
“I want journalists to continue to uphold ethics and professionalism in their reportage. The society depends on the media for credible information, so journalists must always ensure balance, truth and responsibility in carrying out their duties,” he said.
The award ceremony formed part of activities lined up for the NUJ FCT Press Week and attracted notable personalities from the media, security sector and government circles.
Many guests at the event described the honour bestowed on Uloma Peace Okorie as a fitting tribute to a journalist whose contributions to the profession have spanned decades of active reporting, publishing and public engagement.