NUJ Enugu honours FCC commissioner Peter Eze for youth leadership

The Enugu State Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has given its Award of Excellence for Outstanding Youth Leadership to Peter Ogbonna Eze, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) commissioner representing the state.

The plaque was handed to him on the night of Thursday, 22 October 2026, at the close of the chapel's 2026 Press Week. The event held at the NUJ Press Centre on Rangers Avenue, Enugu, and was chaired by Chief Anthony Ani (SAN), a former Attorney General of Enugu State.

According to the chapel, Eze was picked for his work in youth empowerment, skills development and talent discovery, and for helping young people find jobs and career openings.

Why it matters to young Nigerians

Youth unemployment and the lack of skills and job openings remain serious concerns across the country. The FCC is the agency that works to spread federal jobs and appointments fairly across states and groups.

The reports highlighted one programme tied to Eze's youth work: Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026. It gathered thousands of young people for mentorship, career guidance and professional development, and was described as one of the year's most impactful youth events. The aim, according to the reports, is to link young people with institutions, professionals and others who can help their careers.

Other awardees that night included the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi; Ben Nwoye, Deputy National Chairman South of the APC; Dr Peter Ogbobe, Executive Director of PRODA; and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa.

The Press Week theme was "Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus."

Speaking after receiving the award, Eze said the recognition meant a lot to him because it came from journalists, whose job is to inform the public and hold leaders to account. He urged reporters to keep serving as the conscience of the nation through courageous and balanced reporting.

"The honour is appreciated, the responsibility is understood, and the commitment to service remains unwavering," Eze said.

He said the award was not only about past work but a call to do more, and that he remains committed to creating opportunities for young people. In his words, leadership should be judged not by title but by how many lives it touches.

What happens next

Eze said he will keep pushing youth-focused programmes. For young people in Enugu and beyond, the test will be whether such initiatives turn into real jobs and skills, not just ceremonies.