The Imo Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) was established in 2011 by the late Chief Joe Anyama, Publisher of the Announcer Express Newspaper.
At that time, the new administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha had just assumed office, necessitating a collective engagement with the new regime. Chief Anyama took the initiative to unite the publishers.
Chief Anyama served as the inaugural chairman of the association and was subsequently succeeded by Chief Bright Chimezie Njoku, Publisher of the Nigerian Horn Newspaper.
It was during Chief Njoku’s tenure that the association was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Chief Njoku passed the leadership to Senior Apostle Lambert Ojukwu, Publisher of the Nigeria Newspoint Newspaper.
It is important to note that during Ojukwu’s leadership, the association experienced polarization, leading to the emergence of a faction led by Chief Vitalis Diala.
This Diala-led faction later conducted an election in which Hon. Chidi Emeagi was elected Chairman.
Following Ojukwu’s resignation to pursue the position of Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State Council, the Ojukwu faction elected Chief Henry Ekpe as Chairman. Eventually, the two factions reconciled, resulting in the Emeagi-led faction merging with the Ekpe-led faction.
Chief Ekpe, Co-Publisher of Trumpeta Newspaper, completed his tenure in 2021, paving the way for the emergence of the Chief Declan Anaele executive.
However, the association once again divided into two factions at the beginning of Anaele’s leadership, with Pastor Shirley Munonye leading the breakaway faction.
Fortunately, the Munonye-led faction has since rejoined the association, which now operates as a unified entity.
Notably, a general election was conducted in September 2024, during which Anaele was elected for a second term.
The 14th anniversary celebration of the association is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri.
INPA plans to honour some distinguished Nigerians and launch its N200 million Media Resource Centre at the event.
In the past, the association has honoured individuals such as the late Rt. Hon. Bethel Amadi, Her Excellency Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and Eziopara Ben Anyanwu.
