It is a moment of pride, purpose, and powerful inspiration as veteran media professional and women’s advocate, Evelyn Onyilo, has been officially inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations three decades after earning her Mass Communication degree. Her journey is not just about a title gained, but a bold reminder that success has no deadline.

Members of the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa have celebrated their Founder and President with heartfelt congratulations, describing her achievement as long overdue and deeply inspiring. In a statement jointly signed by National Coordinator Lydia Samson and PRO Mina Daniels, the group applauded Onyilo as a beacon of excellence and ethical leadership, noting that her achievement will inspire countless women and professionals across the country. Samson and Daniels further praised her resilience, discipline, and lifelong commitment to excellence.

Speaking shortly after her induction, an emotional Onyilo said: “I give glory to God I finally did it. It is never too late to seek knowledge or improve yourself. I’m grateful to everyone who encouraged me along the way.”

A household name in media and advocacy, Onyilo’s career spans decades of impact. She worked with the Nigerian Television Authority for 22 years, building a reputation for professionalism and credibility as a broadcaster. She also served as President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, where she championed the rights and advancement of women in the media. Today, she is the Publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine and continues to amplify voices and tell stories that matter. Beyond journalism, she leads INWOAD, a platform driving gender equality, women empowerment, and inclusive development across Africa. A committed Rotarian, she is widely respected for her humanitarian work and dedication to service.

INWOAD members described her NIPR induction as more than a personal victory, stating it is a win for everyone who believes in growth, integrity, and perseverance. Samson and Daniels noted that the achievement will resonate far beyond the individual. Adding to the celebration, Onyilo was also recently appointed to serve on the APC National Convention Committee on Emergency Response, a role which Samson and Daniels say reflects her passion for service and wealth of experience.

As she steps into this new chapter, Onyilo’s story sends a clear message: keep going, no matter how long it takes. Her journey continues to light the path for many.

Veteran broadcaster and pioneering Arab journalist Jamal Rayyan has died at the age of 73, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades in international broadcasting.

The announcement was first shared by Al Jazeera through its official social media platforms and later reported by several media outlets. Rayyan was widely recognised as one of the most iconic figures in Arab television journalism.

Born on August 23, 1953, in Tulkarm in the occupied West Bank, Rayyan began his media career in 1974 at Jordan Radio and Television before working with several regional and international broadcasters, including the BBC Arabic Service and Emirates Television.

Rayyan became a historic figure in Arab media when he appeared as the first news anchor on Al Jazeera during the network’s debut broadcast in November 1996. His calm delivery and distinctive voice helped shape the identity of the Qatar-based news channel, which later grew into one of the most influential media networks in the world.

During his long career, he covered major regional and international events, including wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the Arab Spring uprisings. His work and presence on screen made him one of the most recognisable journalists in the Arab world.

Tributes have begun pouring in from journalists, viewers, and media organisations across the Middle East and beyond, many describing Rayyan’s passing as the loss of a pioneering voice in modern Arab journalism.

Rayyan’s legacy is expected to endure through the generations of journalists he helped inspire and mentor during nearly three decades at Al Jazeera.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has launched a health insurance scheme aimed at improving access to healthcare for media professionals in Abuja.

The initiative, unveiled during an NUJ FCT Congress in Abuja, is designed to provide journalists with affordable healthcare coverage under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). The programme is part of efforts by the union’s leadership to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of journalists who often face health risks while carrying out their duties.

Speaking at the launch, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, described the scheme as a historic milestone for the council, noting that it represents a significant step toward safeguarding the health of journalists who play a critical role in informing the public and promoting accountability in society.

Ike said the initiative was made possible through partnerships with stakeholders, including the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, which provided free health insurance slots for journalists. According to her, the programme will reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on media practitioners while encouraging them to prioritise their health.

Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who supported the initiative, called on political leaders, philanthropists, and organisations to sponsor health insurance coverage for journalists.

Fasawe emphasised that access to healthcare is a fundamental necessity and urged stakeholders to support media professionals who play an important role in informing the public.

She also reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to expanding healthcare access in the territory, stressing that universal health coverage can only be achieved through collective responsibility and collaboration among government, private sector actors, and individuals.

Under the initiative, about 150 journalists were initially enrolled into the scheme through free insurance slots provided by the FCT health authorities, while additional sponsorship by stakeholders has increased the number of beneficiaries to about 200 journalists.

The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention that will improve healthcare access for journalists, many of whom currently lack health insurance.

He noted that strengthening journalists’ welfare is essential for promoting professionalism and ensuring the media continues to play its role in democratic governance.

Beneficiaries of the programme also expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership and health authorities, describing the scheme as a timely intervention that will ease the cost of medical care for media practitioners.