UNIZIK Lecturer launches TETFund-sponsored book on child rights
Digital flyer of the TETFund-sponsored book launch on child rights in UNIZIK
Reported by Chioma Edeh
Dr. Obiorah Edogor, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University- UNIZIK, has officially launched his latest academic work titled “Child Rights Reporting in the Digital Age: Principles and Methodologies”. The public presentation of the TETFund-sponsored book took place at the Postgraduate College Auditorium, UNIZIK, on Friday.
The event attracted a distinguished audience of traditional rulers, academics, media professionals, government officials, and students. Among the notable guests were Igwe Professor Onuora, Okebo II Igwe Ben Emeka, Barrister Tony Ifeanya, Dr. Adaobi Okeke, NUJ Chairman Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and several others.The event began with the traditional breaking of kolanuts and the offering of prayers and blessings, in keeping with Igbo cultural protocol.
In his address, Dr. Edogor expressed deep gratitude to all attendees, describing the book launch as a milestone in his academic journey. He thanked God for the rare privilege of securing sponsorship from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He also appreciated his colleagues and friends who encouraged him to host a formal and public launch. Special mention was made of the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, UNIZIK, Prof. Michael Ezenwa; Head of the Mass Communication Department, Prof. Allen Adum; and his close friend, Mr. Ikechukwu.
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Dr. Edogor dedicated the book to three key mentors, including Archbishop Phildelia Okeke, whom he described as a spiritual father and guide.Delivering the book review, Prof. Angela Nwammuo, Chairperson of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and lecturer at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, hailed the book as a “masterpiece” and the first of its kind in Nigeria. She commended chapters two and three in particular, which she said equip readers with the tools to professionally report child rights issues.
However, she offered critical insights, noting that while the author developed an innovative model, it lacked a named theoretical framework. She suggested that the model be named after Dr. Edogor and that future editions include sample reporting approaches to aid students and early-career journalists.
Other speakers at the event included Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna, the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa; Barrister Beverly Ikpeazu; and Dr. Chimezie Okoye, who unveiled the book with a generous donation of five million naira (₦5,000,000).
The ceremony closed with expressions of appreciation to students, traditional leaders, lecturers, and members of the academic community for their support. Guests were entertained with music as the programme drew to a graceful end.
