By Ime Silas
Veteran journalist and publisher of YES International Magazine, Azuh Arinze, was on Saturday honoured with the prestigious Media Excellence Award by the Center for Media Connect (CMC) during a well-attended book signing event in Lagos.
The award, presented at Roving Heights Bookstore, recognizes Arinze’s decades-long contributions to journalism, publishing, media development, and literary excellence in Nigeria. It was presented to him by Ambassador Cornel Udofia, Founder of the Center for Media Connect, alongside members of the CMC Gladiators.
The event drew a broad cross-section of Nigeria’s media and creative community, including media executives, veteran journalists, publishers, authors, entertainment personalities, and literary enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate one of the country’s most respected media professionals.
In his remarks while presenting the award, Ambassador Udofia described Arinze as “an icon of excellence, professionalism, credibility, and consistency” whose career has continued to inspire generations of journalists, writers, publishers and young professionals across the country.
“The recognition reflects CMC’s commitment to identifying and celebrating individuals whose dedication, integrity, and excellence have significantly advanced the media profession and contributed meaningfully to national development,” Udofia said. He noted that the Center deliberately spotlights media practitioners who have used their platforms not only to inform, but to mentor and elevate industry standards.
Receiving the award, an obviously humbled Arinze expressed profound appreciation to Ambassador Udofia and the entire leadership of CMC for the honour. He said the recognition was both humbling and encouraging, and it reaffirmed his resolve to continue promoting ethical journalism, quality publishing, and mentorship within the industry.
“This honour means a lot to me because it comes from colleagues and stakeholders who understand the work we do daily,” Arinze said. “It encourages me to do more, especially in the areas of professionalism and mentorship. To young journalists and aspiring writers here today, I urge you to remain disciplined, passionate, and committed to the ethics of this profession. That is the only way we can preserve the integrity of journalism in Nigeria.”
The award presentation formed one of the major highlights of Arinze’s book signing session, which also served as a networking hub for players across print, broadcast, and digital media. Guests described the atmosphere as both celebratory and reflective, with conversations centered on the future of journalism, publishing, and literature in Nigeria.
Among the notable personalities present were Lady Ifeoma Ikechukwu, Publisher of Blissful Affairs Magazine; Chukwuma Erondu of AIT and Chief Whip of the Actors Guild of Nigeria; Kingsley Praise of CMC TV; Kareem Taofeek of NTA; and Ochuko Akpososo of OV King Media. Other respected media practitioners and distinguished guests were also in attendance.
Industry observers at the event noted that honouring figures like Arinze is critical at a time when the media landscape faces challenges around credibility, sustainability, and the rise of misinformation. They said recognitions such as this help reinforce the values of accuracy, accountability and service that underpin good journalism.
In a statement after the event, CMC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting media excellence, encouraging ethical journalism, fostering professional development, and celebrating outstanding personalities whose contributions continue to inspire positive change in society.
“The media remains a pillar of democracy and national development,” the Center stated. “We will continue to identify and celebrate those who, through consistency and integrity, are strengthening journalism, publishing, and literature in Nigeria.”
Arinze, who has been in the media for over three decades, is widely known for YES International Magazine and his books on media practice and personal development. He is regarded by many younger journalists as a mentor who has consistently used his platform to spotlight talent and advocate for professionalism.
