With great joy and appreciation to God Almighty, I join thousands and associates of Journalism to celebrate the birthday of one of my best friends, Pastor Mrs. Ann Godwin who by the grace of God has distinguished herself not only as an Amazon but as an exceptional journalist and a wonderful Lady of God.
I could still recall that on my arrival to Rivers State about 18 years ago, I monitored this lady both as a friend and father and can assert that she is an exceptional, simple, gentle, and a workaholic who no matter how tasking any assignment given to her may look like, she does it with joy and laughter.
Watching this lady from my days as the Media Consultant to the Prince of Nigeria Delta Politics, Prince Tonye TJT Princewill as far back as 2007 and how this little lady then as a struggling Journalist with the Guardian Newspaper who by today have become the Bureau Chief of the same Newspaper, I came to the conclusion that She whom God is interested upon must surely shine and beam her light to the entire world.
Very humble, brilliant, beautiful and committed to any task assigned to her who answers my call for any press briefing no matter how choked her time is. By her antecedents and feats have succeeded to reaffirm my faith in God that with Him, I can achieve whatever it is that I desires in this world..
When she decided to marry a Pastor, I was wondering what future holds for such a young lady but today because of her faith in God she and her husband are pastoring one of the leading churches in Rivers State.
What amazes me about this lady is her ability to conquer a lot of grounds at such a short time; becoming not only an International Lady but a multiple Award- Winning Journalist; South-South Bureau Chief of Guardian Newspaper Nigeria.
Apart from all these, she is a respected Media Coach/Mentor, an Educationist, Public Speaker, Community and Executive Director of StepUp4women a platform which she uses to turn around the lives of many women in Nigeria.
Eze recalling when this indefatigable lady won the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Special Recognition Award the NUJ stated that the award is given to journalists who consistently, throughout their careers, have brought great honour and pride to the NUJ and the journalism profession, in addition to contributing to the greater good of society.
NUJ further stated that Ann by 2022 emerged as the first prize winner of the prestigious Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism-Female Leadership Programme award and have made significant positive impacts that have led to system improvements and enhanced the citizens’ quality of life.
NUJ further highlighted that her recent work, titled ‘At UPTH’s ICU, Horror, Nightmare as Caregivers Exploit Sick and Dying Patients’, revealed the horrible experiences patients endure at the hospital’s ICU ward and exposed the challenges with oxygen supply to patients.
The report attracted the Federal Government’s attention a few weeks later, leading to the completion of four oxygen manifold piping facilities in various locations within the hospital. These facilities now cover 100 beds, delivering gas directly to patients from the manifold.
In her appreciation, Rev. Mrs Godwin expressed her profound gratitude to the NUJ for the award and for acknowledging the impacts of her work expressing delight that the NUJ committee and executives found her work and impact worthy of the prestigious award.
According to her, “I pursue my work out of passion and I am propelled by the social responsibility theory, which encourages individuals to discharge their civic duties with the aim of improving the quality of life for the people”.
She added that the award would encourage her and other journalists to remain courageous and bold in discharging their civic duties with high professionalism and dexterity, continuing to make significant impacts in society and improving people’s quality of life.
“Journalists should not be deterred from embarking on outstanding works that will bring the desired impact in society, irrespective of the daunting challenges we face in the country.”
“In present-day Nigeria, where the economy is in an anaemic state, institutions are weak, infrastructure is collapsing, and growth is stunted, we need courageous journalists who will firmly uphold ethical standards, shed light in dark areas, and through unbiased and professional reporting, change the narrative and rebuild the country.”
Godwin, a media coach, said the recognition has inspired her to strive for excellence in all her work for the good of the profession and society at large.
Godwin has also received an Award of Excellence from Advancing Women in Business (ADWIB) for her contribution to the growth of journalism practice and the impact of her reports on women in the South-South region and the nation at large.
I must State that I thank God for causing me to pass the great path of this great golden lady whose impact on anybody that crosses her golden path is always infectious
I pray God not only to bless her new age but to grant unto her greater and better years ahead IJN
Happy birthday the little girl of yesterday that have become Mama General to many other other great mothers in Rivers State
Congratulations and God bless
