Moji Makanjuola at 70: Women Groups Celebrate Icon of Journalism and Advocacy

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, 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, NAWOJ, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW-Africa), Ego Beke Foundation, Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, and the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS).

In a statement jointly signed by Rtn Evelyn Onyilo, former NAWOJ president and publisher of Phenomenal People magazine, and Chief Ladi Bala, former NAWOJ president, the event highlighted Makanjuola’s decades of service and impact. Former minister of women affairs, Pauline Tallen, praised Makanjuola’s professionalism and excellence in health reporting, revealing that her mastery of health-related issues initially made her believe she was a medical doctor.

Dr Betty Olutunde, founder of Betnely Charity Foundation and chief organiser who travelled from London for the celebration, described Makanjuola as an exceptional woman with a heart of gold who is always willing to support others. The director-general of Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Dr Dayo Benjamin Laniyi, represented by Dr Ebi Emezue, also commended her passion for social justice and women development.

National chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, represented by FCT chairperson Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, described the celebrant 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) and flew in from Lagos, described 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), Barrister Dele Atunbi, a deputy director, 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 Makanjuola was among the foundation members of NAWOJ and played a key role in its establishment. He stated 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. Rtn Evelyn Onyilo emotionally recalled that around the same period last year, Makanjuola was battling for her life. She expressed gratitude to God for her recovery and strength, noting that seeing her healthy again brought immense joy.

In her response, the veteran broadcaster, media icon, and gender advocate, 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. Makanjuola was full of gratitude for the surprise celebration marking her 70th birthday, organised by friends, associates, and women-focused organisations in recognition of her contributions to journalism, women empowerment, health advocacy, and national development.

She noted that many spouses of diplomats are often compelled to suspend their careers and personal aspirations while accompanying their partners on international 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 urged women to always support one another so as 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 Makanjuola attributed her achievements to the grace and glory of God and appreciated everyone who made the occasion memorable.

Roll call 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 others too numerous to mention. Rtn Evelyn Onyilo and Chief Ladi Bala reaffirmed in their statement that the event stood as a testament to Makanjuola’s lasting legacy.