NAWOJ Lagos remembers Kudirat Abiola 30 Years On
NAWOJ Lagos remembers Kudirat Abiola 30 Years On
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter, has honoured the late Chief Kudirat Olayinka Abiola as its Iconic Woman, in remembrance of three decades since her assassination on 4 June 1996.
According to the Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Jumoke Johnson, Chief Kudirat Abiola represented courage, principle, and selfless sacrifice in Nigeria’s pursuit of democracy and justice.
She described the recognition as NAWOJ Lagos’ tribute to a woman whose activism reshaped the nation’s political trajectory.
“Chief Kudirat Abiola was more than the wife of Chief MKO Abiola. She was a leading activist, a strategist, and an unyielding voice for justice, even at great personal risk,” Johnson stated.
According to her, three decades after her death, her legacy continues to inspire women across journalism, governance, civil society, and every arena where equity is pursued.
She said, "Kudirat Abiola’s bold mobilization of women, civil society groups, and international partners during the annulment crisis remains a defining example of leadership and dedication.
“Kudirat demonstrated that journalism and activism converge when truth is threatened."
Alaka honored as NAWOJ Lagos Iconic Woman of June 2026
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has named Motunrayo Alaka, the Executive Director and CEO of Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), as its Iconic Woman of the Month for June.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Alaka’s decades of exceptional leadership, her fierce advocacy for press freedom, and unwavering commitment to elevating women in media and journalism, across Nigeria and Africa.
Through her work at the WSCIJ, Alaka has been a driving force behind impactful investigative reporting and a champion for gender mainstreaming in newsrooms. Under her leadership, initiatives like the Report Women! project have empowered countless female journalists, equipping them with the skills and support needed to break the glass ceiling and step into leadership positions.
Speaking on the selection, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Falayi Johnson, emphasized that Alaka embodies the resilience, intellect, and progressive vision that the "Iconic Woman of the Month" initiative seeks to honor.
"Motunrayo Alaka is not just a leader; she is a builder of people and a beacon of integrity in the media landscape. Her dedication to fostering gender equity and mentoring the next generation of investigative journalists makes her a thoroughly deserving recipient of this honor for the month of June.
Consumer Right Champion Sola Salako-Ajulo is Iconic Woman of April 2026
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter, is proud to announce veteran advocate, activist, and writer, Sola Salako-Ajulo, as its Iconic Woman of the Month for March 2026.
This prestigious recognition, an initiative led by the NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Jumoke Johnson, is designed to celebrate women who have made immeasurable contributions to society and serve as inspirations for transformation.
Mrs. Salako-Ajulo was chosen for her over two decades of tireless dedication to consumer rights and her profound impact on the Nigerian marketplace.
Sola Salako-Ajulo, known affectionately as "Consumer Mama," has consistently advocated for the protection and education of Nigerian consumers for over twenty years. Her journey began in 2003 with her influential column, "Handwriting on the Wall," and has since evolved into a career defined by systemic change.
As the Founder of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), she has been at the forefront of several landmark initiatives.
In 2016, she led the #NoBankingDay Protest, a historic movement against excessive and arbitrary bank charges in Nigeria.
She is the author of the essential handbook, "Protect Yourself: Your Naija Guide To Consumer Right And Protection," which simplifies complex regulations for the average citizen.
Recently, she pioneered the CAFON Consumers Companion (3C), an AI-powered platform that serves as a 24/7 digital advisor to help Nigerians understand and enforce their rights.
Mrs. Salako-Ajulo's professional excellence has been consistently recognized.
Celebrating the recipient, NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Jumoke Falayi Johnson described "Sola Salako-Ajulo as a force for justice in the marketplace, where consumers face exploitation. She provides the education and the tools for redress. She reminds us that an informed consumer is the strongest regulator, and her life's work is a testament to the power of a single, determined voice to create national change".
NAWOJ Lagos congratulates Mrs. Salako-Ajulo on this well-deserved honor.
NAWOJ Lagos Honours Prof. Ogwezzy Iconic Woman of May 2026
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) Lagos State Chapter, has announced Professor Abigail Ndisika Ogwezzy as its Iconic Woman of the Month for April 2026.
The recognition, conferred under the Association’s NAWOJ Lagos Woman of the Month initiative, celebrates exceptional women in Lagos State who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and significant contributions to societal development. The monthly honour highlights individuals whose work advances professional standards, empowers others, and promotes integrity and service.
Professor Ogwezzy of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, was selected in recognition of her outstanding contributions to mass communication scholarship and her enduring impact on media education. Her distinguished career as an academic, mentor, and thought leader has influenced generations of students, media practitioners and scholars across Nigeria.
According to Jumoke Falayi Johnson, the NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson 'Professor Abigail Ogwezzy's commitment to academic excellence, public engagement, and advocacy has not only strengthened the field of communication but also contributed meaningfully to national discourse and societal advancement. Her role in mentoring young professionals and empowering women within the media space further underscores her suitability for the honour.'
Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi is NAWOJ Lagos Iconic Woman for January
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter, has announced Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Founder of Love of Christ Generation Church C&S (Worldwide), as its Iconic Woman of the Month for January.
The recognition is a newly introduced NAWOJ Lagos initiative designed to celebrate womanhood, impact, and philanthropy.
Speaking on the initiative, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson said, it's a celebration of women making positive and immeasurable contributions in their fields of endeavour.
Johnson added that a woman is nominated and announced every month and the showcase capped with a grand finale at the end of the year, when all 12 honourees are celebrated.
The NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson said the selection of Reverend Mother Ajayi reflects the association’s commitment to spotlighting women whose lives and work inspire societal transformation.
“The nomination of Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi as the NAWOJ Lagos Iconic Woman of the Month of January is in appreciation of her extensive philanthropy across Lagos State and Nigeria, and her impact, which is felt globally,”
Reverend Mother Ajayi is widely known for her humanitarian work through the Esther Ajayi Foundation, which focuses on humanitarian aid, education, and social development. The foundation provides scholarships, disability support, and community development interventions, including assistance to repatriated citizens and other vulnerable groups.
Her philanthropic footprint spans several sectors, with notable interventions at the Police Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 2, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, and scholarships awarded to hundreds of students in public and private tertiary institutions across the country. She has also sponsored medical outreaches, supported the chronically ill, and extended assistance to numerous organisations, nationwide.
Beyond Nigeria, Reverend Mother Ajayi’s humanitarian engagements have taken her to several war-torn countries, underscoring the international scope of her outreach.
She leads a large congregation at her cathedral in Victoria Island, Lagos, where she is regarded as a spiritual mother to many.
Born in Mushin, Lagos, Reverend Mother Ajayi attributes her resilience, quick thinking, and deep love for humanity to her formative years within that community.
Reflecting on her early struggles in the United Kingdom, she once remarked, “I told God, if you can see me through this, nobody will cry to me and cry back, if it’s genuine.”
NAWOJ Lagos congratulates Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi on the honour, wishing her continued strength, good health, and greater impact in her service to humanity.
NAWOJ Lagos Names Journalist Oyetunde Feb 2026 'Iconic Woman'
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, announced veteran broadcaster and union leader, Dr. Abimbola Abosede Oyetunde, as its Iconic Woman of the Month for February 2026.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Oyetunde’s peerless contributions to broadcast journalism, her advocacy for the rights and welfare of media professionals, and her inspiring role as a mentor to women across the continent.
Dr. Oyetunde, a legal practitioner, high-ranking media executive, and veteran journalist, has consistently shattered glass ceilings throughout her distinguished career, with of emerging first Female Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), first Female General Manager of Bronze FM, Benin City, Bureau Chief, FRCN Network and Deputy Director of News, Directorate Headquarters Annex, Lagos. Through these pioneering roles, she has remained a fierce advocate for public-interest journalism, newsroom inclusion, and ethical broadcasting standards.
Celebrating the icon of integrity, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Jumoke Falayi-Johnson, described Dr. Oyetunde as a beacon of professionalism and an irreplaceable asset to Nigerian media.
We celebrate women who are making a real impact through their work in the public interest.
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