The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) Nigeria has honoured renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, High Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, with its prestigious Golden Era Pillar of Logistics Excellence, Purposeful Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy and National Development Award during the Safe Democracy Summit held in Lagos.

The summit, described as one of RATTAWU’s most significant national engagements outside Abuja, marked the Union’s first major conference in Nigeria’s commercial capital and highlighted its growing commitment to national dialogue under the leadership of President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu.

The 2026 summit attracted communication scholars, media professionals, policymakers, labour leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, public relations practitioners and democracy advocates who gathered to deliberate on the theme, “Electoral Integrity in an AI Era: The Role of Responsible Media and Culture in Safeguarding Democracy.”

Participants examined the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence on elections, governance and public communication, while raising concerns over the dangers of misinformation, digital manipulation and the misuse of emerging technologies.

Delivering the keynote address, President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals, Professor Rotimi Williams Olatunji, challenged media practitioners to embrace innovation responsibly while remaining committed to truth, professionalism, accountability and ethical journalism.

Professor Olatunji traced the evolution of electoral development and the integration of technology into Nigeria’s democratic process, stressing the need to safeguard electoral credibility in an increasingly AI-driven information environment.

Chairman of the summit and President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, emphasised that democracy can only thrive where truth, ethical leadership and responsible communication are upheld.

He also commended RATTAWU Nigeria for convening what he described as a timely national conversation capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral processes.

One of the major highlights of the summit was the presentation of RATTAWU Nigeria’s national award to High Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, the Imperial Ranking Commander and President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, humanitarian service and national development.

Widely celebrated as “A Man of Glamour and Splendour,” High Chief Ezisi was recognised for his sustained investments in education, youth empowerment, community development and humanitarian interventions that have positively transformed the lives of countless Nigerians.

Over the years, he has sponsored scholarships for indigent students, supported widows and vulnerable families, empowered young people through various initiatives and contributed significantly to community development projects across the country.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, FNIPR, the Director of Public Relations and Protocols in the Ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, paid glowing tribute to the award recipient.

He described High Chief Ezisi as a distinguished patriot whose entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic investments and unwavering commitment to humanity continue to inspire hope and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Dr. Haruna also applauded RATTAWU Nigeria for recognising Nigerians whose lives reflect excellence, integrity, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.

The event also featured goodwill messages from labour leaders, communication experts, partner organisations and other distinguished guests, who praised RATTAWU Nigeria for creating a credible platform where media, culture, technology and public policy converge to strengthen democracy.

Traditional dance performances from different cultural groups added colour to the summit, celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the role of culture in promoting peace, unity, social cohesion and democratic participation.

Speaking on the significance of the summit, National Publicity Secretary of RATTAWU Nigeria, Comrade Izang Francis Atsen, said the successful hosting of the event in Lagos demonstrated the Union’s expanding national outlook and unwavering commitment to leading conversations that shape the future of the media, entertainment, arts and communication sectors.

He noted that the summit also reaffirmed RATTAWU Nigeria’s resolve to celebrate outstanding Nigerians whose lives exemplify excellence, visionary leadership, compassion, integrity and dedicated service to humanity.