// Workers AI · dad joke modeWho's Jerry Needam? A guy who needs a name.
Jerry Needam (born 2 March 1966) is a journalist, newspaper publisher and politician from Rivers State, a reverend and diocesan media communicator of the Christ Army Church of Nigeria (CACN), former editor of the Ogoni Star newspaper,[1] and owner of the Nigerian weekly tabloid National Network.[2] He is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Felix A. Obuah, the Rivers State People's Democratic Party chairman. He is also a former Spokesperson of the Action Congress of Rivers State.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Jerry Needam was born on 2 March 1966 in Rivers State, Nigeria.
He trained as a journalist and worked in the media industry before becoming involved in politics. He served as editor of the Ogoni Star newspaper and later established the National Network newspaper.[4][2][1]
Career
[edit]Jerry Needam began his career in journalism and media publishing. He worked as a journalist and served as editor of the Ogoni Star newspaper.
He later founded the National Network newspaper, a weekly publication based in Rivers State, where he served as publisher. His media career involved reporting and commentary on social and political issues, particularly those relating to Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
Needam has also served in the Christ Army Church of Nigeria, where he held ecclesiastical positions. He was later elevated to the position of Reverend Canon by the church.[5][6][7]
Political career
[edit]Jerry Needam became involved in politics in Rivers State while continuing his career in journalism and media publishing. He served as spokesperson of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He later served as Special Adviser on Media to Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.[8][9][10]
Awards and honours
[edit]- 2024 – Lifetime Achievement Award, Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), presented during the council's Press Week activities.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Jerry Needam is married to Promise Jerry-Needam. He is also a member of the Christ Army Church of Nigeria, where he has served in ecclesiastical roles and was elevated to the rank of Reverend Canon.[12][13]
See also
[edit]- National Network (newspaper)
- List of people from Rivers State
- Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People
References
[edit]- 1 2 Uko, Ndaeyo (2004). Romancing the gun : the press as a promoter of military rule. Trenton (N.J.): Africa world press. p. 199. ISBN 1592211895.
- 1 2 "Jerry Needam Lambasts Amaechi Over Neglect Of Kono Secondary School". The Nigerian Voice. 17 March 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
- ↑ "Newspaper Publisher Arrested Over Report On Police Commissioner". Media Rights Agenda. 17 January 2005. Retrieved 25 June 2016 – via AllAfrica.
- ↑ "Eze Felicitates With Rev. Canon Needam Over Promotion". National Network. 2024-02-13. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "National Network Newspaper @ 21: Gov Fubara, Rivers Leaders Laud 21 Years of Resilience, Excellence, Impact". National Network. 2025-12-04. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Eze Felicitates With Rev. Canon Needam Over Promotion". National Network. 2024-02-13. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Church Elevates Journalist To Reverend Canon". 2024-02-04. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Vanguard News". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "THISDAYLIVE – Truth and Reason". Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "National Network". National Network. 2023-05-02. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Rivers NUJ Press Week Ends With Fanfare As Jerry Needam, 49 Others Receive Awards". National Network. 2024-08-23. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Rev'd Canon Jerry, Wife Tie Knot, Renew Marriage Vow". National Network. 2024-06-06. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Eze Felicitates With Rev. Canon Needam Over Promotion". National Network. 2024-02-13. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
 | This article about a Rivers State politician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |
  | This article about an African journalist is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |
 | This article about a member of the Christian clergy in Nigeria is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |