BOCA Energy, BOCA IT Systems Clinch Double Awards at Lagos NUJ Correspondent 2026 Press Week, Reaffirm Commitment to National Development
BOCA Energy Resources Limited and BOCA IT Systems Limited have been honoured with two prestigious awards at the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Lagos State Council, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s energy, technology and corporate development sectors.
The companies received the Business Titan/CEO of the Year Award and the Most Innovative Energy and Technology Solution Providers Award during the grand finale of the Press Week held at the NERDC Conference Centre, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Adding to the celebrations, the companies’ Head of Media and Publicity, Alfred Abiodun, was honoured with the Credence in Journalism Award for his remarkable contributions to corporate communications and his support for the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel.
The event, themed “Journalism and Nation Building: Promoting Accountability and Good Governance,” attracted media practitioners, business leaders, government officials and other distinguished guests committed to advancing excellence in journalism and national development.
The awards were presented to the Chairman and Managing Director of BOCA Energy Resources Ltd and BOCA IT Systems Ltd, Engr. James Ukachukwu, in recognition of his visionary leadership and the companies’ growing impact in delivering innovative solutions across Nigeria’s energy and technology sectors.
Representing the Managing Director, the Director of Operations, Mr. Reginald Onyirioha Ofoegbu, described the recognition as a strong motivation for the companies to continue contributing meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic growth.
He said the honours reflected BOCA’s unwavering commitment to innovation, responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable national development.
“The award is symbolic. We are proud to associate with the progressive ideals it represents, and we are encouraged to do even better. We are very proud and deeply motivated by this recognition,” Ofoegbu said.
He stressed that nation-building should not be left solely to government, urging Nigerians to collectively contribute their expertise, resources and ideas towards building a stronger nation.
According to him, BOCA’s partnership with the NUJ during the Press Week demonstrates the company’s belief in supporting institutions that promote accountability, transparency and good governance.
“The key word is responsibility. We should not leave everything to the government or spend our time pointing fingers. Every Nigerian has a stake in the nation’s future and must contribute their skills towards its development.
“Our collaboration with the NUJ reflects our commitment to encouraging journalists in their constitutional role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, holding leaders accountable and providing a platform that strengthens democracy,” he stated.
Ofoegbu reaffirmed that BOCA Energy Resources and BOCA IT Systems would continue to support initiatives that promote integrity, transparency and sustainable development.
“As a corporate organisation, BOCA is boldly affirming that we believe in Nigeria’s greatness and are ready to invest in initiatives that advance national progress,” he added.
Earlier, in his address as Chairman of the occasion, delivered by Ofoegbu, Engr. Ukachukwu expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel for the honour of chairing the 2026 Press Week.
He reaffirmed the companies’ commitment to strategic partnerships that foster professional excellence, informed public discourse and sustainable national development.
Drawing from his experience in both the energy and technology sectors, Ukachukwu described credible journalism as the bedrock of every thriving democracy.
“If crude oil powers economies and technology powers innovation, then credible journalism powers democracy. Without trustworthy information, societies drift; with it, nations progress,” he said.
Speaking on the conference theme, he observed that the rapid rise of social media has made ethical and professional journalism even more indispensable.
“We live in an era where information travels faster than facts, where social media often competes with professional journalism, and where public trust has become one of the world’s most valuable currencies,” he noted.
He reminded journalists of their vital responsibility as custodians of public trust, chroniclers of history and indispensable partners in nation-building.
While acknowledging the transformative role of technology in the media industry, he maintained that the principles of accuracy, fairness, balance and integrity must remain the foundation of journalism.
Ukachukwu further noted that journalists and business leaders share one invaluable asset—credibility.
“In business, once trust is lost, customers walk away. In journalism, once credibility is compromised, audiences do the same. Trust remains our shared capital,” he said.
He commended journalists for promoting transparency, strengthening accountability and amplifying the voices of citizens, describing their role as indispensable to democratic governance.
The BOCA Chairman also praised media professionals for asking difficult questions and helping society distinguish facts from misinformation.
“And while journalists often remind others that ‘the microphone is always on,’ today I will gently remind you that the notebook is always open as well,” he remarked.
He congratulated the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel on another successful Press Week and wished members continued success in advancing responsible journalism and national development.
The double honours further reinforce BOCA Energy Resources Ltd and BOCA IT Systems Ltd’s growing reputation as leading players in Nigeria’s energy and technology sectors, while underscoring their commitment to innovation, corporate excellence and strategic partnerships that promote accountability, good governance and sustainable national development.