By Peace Udugba
LAGOS — BOCA Energy Resources Limited and BOCA IT Systems Limited have received two major awards at the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Lagos State Council, in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s energy, technology and corporate development sectors.
The companies were honoured with 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.
Also honoured at the event was the Head of Media and Publicity of BOCA Group, Alfred Abiodun, who received the Credence in Journalism Award for his contributions to the company’s media relations and support for the activities of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel.
The event, themed “Journalism and Nation Building: Promoting Accountability and Good Governance,” brought together media practitioners, government officials, business leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate 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 leadership and the companies’ growing impact in providing innovative energy and technology solutions.
Representing the Managing Director, the Director of Operations, Mr. Reginald Onyirioha Ofoegbu, described the awards as an encouragement for the companies to remain committed to national development through innovation and responsible corporate citizenship.
According to him, the recognition reflects the organisations’ commitment to progressive values and sustainable development.
“The award is a symbolic one. We are proud to associate with the progressive ideals that it represents, and we are encouraged to do even better. We are very encouraged, and we are very proud,” he said.
Ofoegbu stressed that nation-building should not be left solely to government, urging Nigerians to contribute their expertise and resources towards national progress.
He noted that BOCA’s partnership with the NUJ during the Press Week demonstrated the company’s commitment to supporting institutions that promote accountability and good governance.
“The key word here is responsibility. We should not leave everything to the government or spend our time pointing fingers. We must come together and contribute our skills towards building Nigeria.
“That is exactly what we are doing by collaborating with the NUJ to ensure a successful Press Week and to encourage journalists in their constitutional responsibility as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. They hold government accountable, scrutinise institutions, challenge the clergy where necessary and remind citizens of their responsibilities.”
He added that BOCA Energy Resources and BOCA IT Systems would continue to support initiatives that promote transparency, integrity and sustainable national development.
“As a corporate entity, BOCA is boldly saying that we are in sync with everyone who believes in the greatness of Nigeria, and we are ready to put our money where our mouth is,” he added.
Earlier, in his address as Chairman of the occasion, delivered by Ofoegbu, Ukachukwu thanked 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 national growth through professional excellence, informed public discourse and sustainable development.
Drawing from his experience in the energy and technology sectors, Ukachukwu described credible journalism as a vital pillar of 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 spread of information through social media had made professional journalism more essential than ever.
“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 said.
He urged journalists to continue upholding the principles of accuracy, fairness, balance and integrity, noting that while technology continues to transform the media landscape, ethical journalism must remain unwavering.
Ukachukwu also pointed out that journalists and business leaders share a common asset—credibility.
“In business, once trust is lost, customers walk away. In journalism, once credibility is compromised, audiences do the same. Trust, therefore, remains our shared capital,” he stated.
He commended journalists for promoting transparency, encouraging accountability and giving citizens a voice, describing their role as indispensable to democratic governance.
He further praised media professionals for asking difficult questions and helping society distinguish facts from misinformation.
“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.
Ukachukwu congratulated the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel on a successful 2026 Press Week and wished members continued success in advancing journalism and national development.
The double recognition further reinforces BOCA Energy Resources Ltd and BOCA IT Systems Ltd’s growing reputation as leading players in Nigeria’s energy and technology industries, while highlighting their commitment to innovation, corporate excellence and partnerships that promote accountability, good governance and sustainable national development.
