Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, on Tuesday 31st March, 2026, celebrated this year’s World International Women’s Day with pomp and pageantry.
The event which took place at Prof. Dura Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, featured recognition of outstanding personalities for their various contributions in Politics, Education, Society and Philanthropy, which have helped in shaping and reshaping society.
In her address, the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Tochukwuu Ifejika, said that the idea behind the recognition was to establish standards other women and girls can emulate as role models.
Comrade Ifejika pointed out that no other time could be better to honour and appreciate those out- standing figures than the occasion to mark the International Women’s Day.
She called for inclusion of more women in decision making organs at the three arms and levels of government, and commended the State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for appointing some female technocrats in his cabinet and also congratulated him on his recent swearing in for second tenure
The NAWOJ Chairperson noted that the appointment of some women into the Solution Team marks him out as an outstanding female-friendly governor, describing it as a milestone and a testament to the confidence and trust reposed in his leadership by the people of Anambra State.
Ifejika praised the Governor’s commitment to gender balance and recognition of competence among women in governance.
She also hailed the governor’s wife and Grand Patron of NAWOJ, Dr. Nonye Soludo whose unwavering support for women journalists and commitment to the growth of the media profession remain truly commendable.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee of the IWD celebration, Dr. Ifeyinwa Oduah, listed the recipients to include 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.
Others are, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie – Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Barr. Oge Ekjweozir – Women’s Leader/ Educationist, Mrs Esther Onyejesi – Anambra State APGA Women’s Leader, Dr. (Mrs) Vera Nkiruka Nwadinobi – Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education (ASUBEB), and Mrs Helen Ngozi Eze – Humanitarian.
The event also witnessed conferment of NAWOJ Personalities of the Year on CP Ikioye Orutugu, Anambra State Commissioner of Police – Firepower with Finesse Policing Award, Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor as Media Personality of the Year, Lovebite Foods and Beverages – Entrepreneurship Excellence Award of the Year, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO Seahorse Lubricant Ltd – Philanthropist of the Year and Kates Associated Industries Limited as the 2026 Brand of the Year.
In his speech which centered on “The Pillars of Justice, Equity, and The Celebration of Female Excellence, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Christian Aburime, expressed gratitude to NAWOJ, noting that being a media personality carries a weight of responsibility that goes far beyond public visibility.
“This award is not a trophy for the mantelpiece, but a mandate to continue amplifying the voices of those who are often silenced,” he stated.
The CPS, represented by a member of the Press Crew, Mr Ejike Abana, aligned the honor with the core mission of the Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo administration, which, according to him, is deeply rooted in the welfare of the vulnerable and the often “forgotten segments” of society.
Mr. Aburime reaffirmed his commitment to an “open-door policy” for NAWOJ and the broader media, pledging his continued support for professional journalism that prioritizes developmental issues, particularly those affecting women and children.
Other awardees who spoke on the occasion commended NAWOJ, as well as other individuals and organizations projecting the cause of women and striving for better society.
