A coalition of women groups in Abuja has 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 and decades of service to journalism, women empowerment and health advocacy.
The colourful event brought together media professionals, women leaders, advocacy groups and dignitaries from across the country, who paid glowing tributes to the veteran journalist’s contributions to national development.
Among the organisations represented were the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Women of Worth Global, Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW-Africa), the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and several other women-focused groups.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, described Chief Makanjuola as a consummate professional whose expertise in health reporting distinguished her career.
“Her depth of knowledge on health issues was so remarkable that I initially thought she was a medical doctor,” Mrs Tallen said.
Chief organiser of the event and founder of Betnely Charity Foundation, Dr Betty Olutunde, who travelled from London for the celebration, praised the celebrant’s generosity and commitment to helping others.
“She is an exceptional woman with a heart of gold who is always willing to support people,” she said.
The Director-General of the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Dr Dayo Benjamin Laniyi, represented by Dr Ebi Emezue, commended Chief Makanjuola’s dedication to social justice and women’s development.
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, represented by the association’s FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, described the veteran broadcaster as a mentor who has consistently identified and nurtured young leaders.
Founder of Women of Worth Global, Pastor Comfort Adesoye, said Chief Makanjuola’s legacy of service and mentorship had positively transformed many lives, while President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa, Ngozi Oyewole, described her as “a beacon of hope and mentor” to women within the advocacy community.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Deputy Director Barrister Dele Atunbi said the celebrant had served as a rallying point for many young professionals navigating their careers in Abuja.
Former NUJ FCT Chairman, Amos Dunia, recalled Chief Makanjuola’s role as one of the founding members of NAWOJ and highlighted her influence in the association’s early development.
He noted that her decision to step aside from becoming NAWOJ’s first president paved the way for Dr Brenda Akpan, while her later emergence as the association’s only unopposed president remains a unique achievement.
Former NAWOJ President and Publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine, Evelyn Onyilo, said the celebration was particularly significant because Chief Makanjuola had battled serious health challenges around the same period last year.
“Seeing her healthy, strong and celebrating her 70th birthday today brings immense joy and gratitude to God,” she said.
In her response, Chief Makanjuola thanked organisers and guests for the surprise celebration and used the occasion to call on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to introduce policies that would allow spouses accompanying diplomats and foreign service officers on overseas postings to pursue meaningful careers and professional opportunities abroad.
She said many spouses were often forced to suspend their careers and personal ambitions while supporting their partners on international assignments.
“Creating opportunities for spouses to work during foreign postings will enhance family stability, economic inclusion, productivity and personal fulfilment,” she said.
The veteran broadcaster also urged women to continue supporting one another in the pursuit of gender equality and greater representation.
Guests described Chief Makanjuola as a selfless leader, mentor and trailblazer whose impact on journalism and women’s advocacy continues to inspire generations across Nigeria and beyond.
The celebration ended with prayers for her continued good health, wisdom and many more years of service, while the celebrant attributed her achievements to the grace of God and expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to making the occasion memorable.
The statement was jointly signed by former NAWOJ presidents Evelyn Onyilo and Chief Ladi Bala.
