In a moment of heartfelt recognition and celebration, the Federated Union of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (FUCNPN) has conferred its Distinguished Public Service Award on Prof. Frank Nwugo, Executive Director of Operations at the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS), for his exemplary leadership, unwavering integrity, and selfless contributions to humanity.
The honour, presented by Dr. Daniel Dike Awana, National President of the Union and a veteran publisher of The Frontline News, took place on Friday July 25, 2025, in a brief but symbolic ceremony.
Although Prof. Nwugo was initially named among the honourees during the Union’s National Conference held on April 29, 2025, at the NUJ Secretariat in Asaba, he was unavoidably absent due to pressing official duties.
The presentation was later done personally by Dr. Awana to underscore the significance of the award.
Dr. Awana, who has been at the helm of community newspaper publishing in Delta State for over three decades, described Prof. Nwugo as a “hardworking, integrity-driven, and people-centered leader who has touched countless lives irrespective of tribe, class, or background.”
“Prof. Nwugo is a man whose ‘yes’ is yes and ‘no’ is no,” Dr. Awana noted.
“He has paid school fees for the underprivileged, awarded scholarships to the needy, supported widows, and promoted ethnic unity through his actions.
His contributions to Delta’s socioeconomic development through the Revenue Service are truly remarkable.”
According to Awana, the Federated Union, headquartered in Abuja and comprising publishers from all 36 states and the FCT, seeks to spotlight unsung heroes whose works impact grassroots communities.
“The essence of this honour is to encourage such individuals to keep doing good. Today, Deltans and Nigerians are proud of Prof. Nwugo. His name rings a bell wherever he goes because of the lives he’s touched,” he added.
The Federated Union’s National Conference also honoured 10 distinguished Deltans and other deserving Nigerians for their outstanding public service and commitment to societal advancement.
Prof. Frank Nwugo expressed his gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Delta State and reaffirming his commitment to transparent service, community empowerment, and inclusive development.
The event once again reinforced the vital role of community media in nation-building and the value of recognising leaders who exemplify integrity, empathy, and dedication.
