By Chioma Vivian James
A coalition of women groups in Abuja on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, honoured veteran broadcaster and former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, MFR, with a grand reception to mark her 70th birthday.
The colourful event 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, the 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, revealing that her in-depth knowledge of health issues once made her believe the veteran journalist was a medical doctor.
Chief organiser of the celebration and founder of Betnely Charity Foundation, Dr. Betty Olutunde, who travelled from London for the event, described Chief Makanjuola as “an exceptional woman with a heart of gold” who is always willing to support others.
The Director-General of the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Dr. Dayo Benjamin Laniyi, represented by Dr. Ebi Emezue, also commended the celebrant’s unwavering 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. She prayed for God to grant the media icon continued good health and strength.
Founder of Women of Worth Global, Pastor Comfort Adesoye, also offered prayers for God’s continued protection and grace upon Chief Makanjuola, 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), and who flew in from Lagos for the celebration, described the celebrant as a beacon of hope and a 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 Chief Makanjuola 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 pivotal role in its establishment. According to him, 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, Rotarian 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, noting that seeing her healthy again brought immense joy to many.
In her response, 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 international postings to engage in meaningful work and professional activities abroad.
Expressing deep gratitude for the surprise celebration organised in her honour by friends, associates, and women-focused organisations, Chief Makanjuola said many spouses of diplomats are often compelled to suspend their careers and personal aspirations while accompanying their partners on foreign assignments.
According to her, creating legal opportunities for such spouses to work during foreign postings would enhance family stability, economic inclusion, productivity, and personal fulfilment.
She 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; Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar; Simon Reef; Princess Joy Idam, Publisher of Weekenders Magazine; and many other distinguished guests.
