A coalition of women groups in Abuja on Tuesday honoured veteran broadcaster and former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, with a grand reception to celebrate her 70th birthday.
The colourful gathering attracted dignitaries, media practitioners, women leaders, and advocacy groups, including Women of Worth Global, INWOAD, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW-Africa), Ego Beke Foundation, Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), and several other women-focused organisations.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, praised Chief Makanjuola’s professionalism and excellence in health reporting, revealed that her mastery of health-related issues once made her believed the veteran journalist was a medical doctor.
The Chief Organiser of the event and founder of Betnely Charity Foundation, Dr. Betty Olutunde, who travelled from London for the celebration, described Chief Makanjuola as an exceptional woman with a heart of gold who is always willing to support others.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Dr. Dayo Benjamin Laniyi, represented by Dr. Ebi Emezue, commended the celebrant’s passion for social justice and women development.
National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, represented by the FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, described Chief Makanjuola as a committed mentor who identifies and nurtures young leaders, while praying for God to grant her continued good health and strength.
Founder of Women of Worth Global, Pastor Comfort Adesoye, prayed for God’s continued protection and grace upon the media icon, noting that her life of service and mentorship has positively impacted countless lives.
President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa, Ngozi Oyewole, who is also the Convener of Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA), described Chief Makanjuola as a beacon of hope and mentor to many women within the NGO and advocacy community.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Deputy Director, Barrister Dele Atunbi, described the celebrant as a rallying point within the organisation who guided and encouraged many young professionals navigating their careers in Abuja.
Former NUJ FCT Chairman, Mr. Amos Dunia, recalled that Chief Makanjuola was among the foundation members of NAWOJ and played a key role in its establishment. He noted that her decision to decline becoming the association’s first president paved the way for Dr. Brenda Akpan, while her later emergence as the only unopposed NAWOJ President during the Maiduguri conference remains unmatched.
Former NAWOJ President and Publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine, Rtn Evelyn Onyilo, emotionally recalled that around the same period last year, Chief Makanjuola was battling for her life. She expressed gratitude to God for her recovery and renewed strength, saying her healthy appearance at the celebration brought immense joy.
In her remarks, veteran broadcaster, media icon, and gender advocate, Chief Moji Makanjuola, MFR, called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to introduce policies that would allow spouses accompanying diplomats and foreign service officers on foreign postings to engage in meaningful work and professional activities abroad.
She expressed gratitude for the surprise celebration organised by friends, associates, and women-focused organisations in recognition of her contributions to journalism, women empowerment, health advocacy, and national development.
According to her, many spouses of diplomats are often compelled to suspend their careers and personal aspirations while accompanying their partners on international assignments. She noted that creating legal opportunities for such spouses to work during foreign postings would enhance family stability, economic inclusion, productivity, and personal fulfilment.
Chief Makanjuola also urged women to continue supporting one another in order to achieve the gender parity they have consistently advocated.
Guests at the event described the celebrant as a selfless leader, mentor, and trailblazer whose enduring impact in journalism and women advocacy continues to inspire generations across Nigeria and beyond.
The celebration ended with prayers for her continued good health, wisdom, strength, and many more years of impactful service to humanity, while the celebrant attributed her achievements to the grace and glory of God and appreciated everyone who made the occasion memorable.
Notable personalities at the event included Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike; the Kakaaki of Bassa Kingdom, Chief Jacob Edi; Hussaina Banshika, first female Director of News at FRCN and former National Secretary of NAWOJ; Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar; Simon Reef; and Princess Joy Idam, Publisher of Weekenders Magazine, among others.
