All roads lead to the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State on 31 March, 2026 for the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) organized by the State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) where top-notch Amazon’s from the State are billed to receive various categories of award for their outstanding contributions in polity, economy, society and philanthropy.
A statement by the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee of IWD, Dr. Ifeyinwa Oduah made available to newsmen in Awka, named the recipients as: Senator Uche Ekwunife – Political Icon; Professor (Mrs) Kate Omenugha – Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu University, Ngozi Ezeonu -Ace Nigerian Actress and Dr. Ify Aronu – International Broadcaster/Youth development activist. The others are Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie – Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Barr. Oge Ekjweozir – Women’s Leader/ Educationist, Mrs Esther Onyejesi – Anambra State Wonen’s Leader of APGA, Dr. (Mrs) Vera Nkiruka Nwadinobi – Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education (ASUBEB), and Mrs Helen Ngozi Eze – Humanitarian.
The event will also witnessed conferment of NAWOJ Personalities of the Year on CP Ikioye Orutugu – Anambra State Commissioner of Police as the New Sheriff in Town: Redefining Security with Finesse and Firepower; and Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor as Media Personality of the Year, Lovebite Foods and Beverages as Entrepreneur of the Year, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO Seahorse Lubricant Ltd and Kates Associated Industries Limited.
Speaking to newsmen in Awka concerning the ceremony, the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Tochukwuu Ifejika noted that the idea behind the recognition is to establish a standard where other women and girls will look up as bearers for emulation as role models. Ifejika said no better time could be used to honour these out- standing Amazons from the State than the occasion marking this year’s International Women’s Day.with the theme: “Justice Action for All Women and Girls – Give to Dain,” (Protecting Anambra Female Achievers 2.0.), She said time had gone when the place of the woman was in the kitchen and the female folks relegated to the home front.
While calling for inclusion of more women in decision making organs at three arms and levels of government . Ifejika felicitated with the State governor, Professor Charles Soludo on the appointments of some female technocrats and commencement of his second term administration.
In particular, the NAWOJ’s boss noted that the appointments of some women into the Solution Team marks him out as an outstanding female-friendly governor in his second term in office,,which she described as a milestone is a testament to the confidence and trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Anambra State. Ifejika praised the Governor’s commitment to gender balance and recognition of competence among women in governance.
Similarly, Ifejika hailed the Governor’s wife and Grand Patron of Anambra State NAWOJ, Dr. Nonye Soludo “whose unwavering support for women journalists and commitment to the growth of the media profession remain truly commendable. .
