Veteran broadcaster and trailblazing sports journalist, Ms. Chigozie Patience Chukwuleta, has been honoured with the 2026 NUJ Anambra Long Term Professional Service Award, celebrating her remarkable contribution to journalism spanning more than three decades.
Currently serving as the Deputy Station Manager of UNIZIK 94.1 FM at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Chukwuleta received the prestigious award on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The presentation was a major highlight of the 35th Anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council.
The award, signed by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, was presented by the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Churchill Okonkwo, in recognition of Chukwuleta’s sustained contribution to journalism, particularly her outstanding work in the male-dominated field of sports reporting.
Armed with a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chukwuleta’s career reflects more than three decades of dedication to both print and broadcast journalism.
Her professional journey began at Concord Newspapers, where she worked from 1991 to 1993. She subsequently joined the Anambra State Newspapers and Printing Corporation, publishers of National Light, serving from 1993 to 2008.
In 2008, she joined Nnamdi Azikiwe University and rose to the position of Deputy Station Manager at UNIZIK 94.1 FM in 2013. In the role, she has continued to provide editorial leadership, operational guidance and mentorship to younger media professionals.
Beyond the newsroom, Chukwuleta has established herself as a respected figure in sports journalism and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
She served as SWAN National Treasurer from 2009 to 2015, National Financial Secretary from 2015 to 2018, and Vice President, South East Zone, from 2018 to 2022.
Her extensive experience includes coverage of major continental sporting events, including the African Youth Championships in Nigeria in 1995 and 1999 and Ghana in 1999; the All Africa Games in South Africa in 1999, Nigeria in 2003 and Algeria in 2007; as well as the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana/Nigeria in 2000, Ghana in 2008 and South Africa in 2013.
She also participated in the FIFA/AFP Training for Female Sports Writers in Africa held in Senegal in 2011.
Reacting to the recognition, Chukwuleta expressed gratitude for the honour, appreciating her family, the NUJ Anambra State Council leadership, colleagues at UNIZIK 94.1 FM, SWAN members, friends and well-wishers for their support throughout her career.
Reflecting on her journey and the award, she simply said:
“It can only be God.”
Chukwuleta is also a proud mother to an adult daughter, who is a graduate of Chemical Engineering.
Chigozie Patience Chukwuleta’s recognition stands as a celebration of dedication, professionalism and three decades of service to Nigerian journalism and sports reporting.
