By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen and the President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa, Ngozi Oyewole, media practitioners and women groups have eulogised Moji Makanjuola, an Icon of Journalism and Advocacy.
They showered praises and prayers for her at a grand reception to celebrate her 70th birthday.
The piece of information is in a statement issued by Evelyn Onyilo, former President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine, on Friday in Abuja.
Onyilo stated that Tallen praised Makanjuola’s professionalism and excellence in health reporting.
She quoted the former minister as saying “Makanjuola’s mastery of health-related issues initially made me to believe she was a medical doctor.”
Oyewole, the Convener of Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA), described Makanjuola as “a beacon of hope and mentor to many women within the NGO and advocacy community.”
Dr Betty Olutunde, founder of Betnely Charity Foundation, the Chief Organiser of the reception, described Makanjuola as “an exceptional woman with a heart of gold who is always willing to support others.”
Also, the Director-General of Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Dr Dayo Benjamin Laniyi, represented by Dr Ebi Emezue, commended her passion for social justice and women development.
National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, represented by FCT Chairperson of the association, Bassey Ita Ikpang, described the media icon
as a committed mentor who identifies and nurtures young leaders.
Ita Ikpang prayed God to grant Makanjuola good health and strength.
Similarly, Founder of Women of Worth Global, Comfort Adesoye, prayed for God’s continued protection and grace upon Makanjuola, noting that her life of service and mentorship has positively impacted many lives.
Mr Dele Atunbi, a Deputy Director from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), said the journalism guru had been a rallying point in NTA who guided and encouraged many young professionals to navigate 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 added 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 remained unmatched.
On her part, Onyilo expressed gratitude to God for Makanjuola’s health and strength, noting that “seeing her healthy again brought immense joy.”
In her response, Makanjuola expressed gratitude for the surprise celebration marking her 70th birthday in Abuja.
She 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.
She urged women to always support one another so as to achieve the gender parity they consistently advocated.
Guests at the event described Makanjuola as a selfless leader, a mentor and trailblazer whose enduring impact in journalism and women advocacy continues to inspire generations across Nigeria and beyond.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
