By David Onwuchekwa
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with the recognition of distinguished personalities for their contributions to politics, education, media, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian service.
The event, held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, brought together stakeholders across sectors to celebrate excellence and advocate greater inclusion of women in leadership.
Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Ifeyinwa Oduah, announced the awardees, highlighting their impact and commitment to societal development.
Among the honourees were Senator Uche Ekwunife (Political Icon), Prof. Kate Omenugha, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Ngozi Ezeonu (Ace Nigerian Actress), and Dr Ify Aronu (International Broadcaster and Youth Development Advocate).
Others included Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko; Barr. Oge Ekweozor, Women’s Leader and Educationist; Mrs. Esther Onyejesi, Anambra State APGA Women’s Leader; Dr. Vera Nkiruka Nwadinobi, Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB); and Mrs Helen Ngozi Eze, a humanitarian.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of NAWOJ Personalities of the Year awards on several individuals and organisations. Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, received the “Firepower with Finesse Policing Award,” while Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, was named Media Personality of the Year.
Corporate recognitions included Lovebite Foods and Beverages (Entrepreneurship Excellence Award), Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO of Seahorse Lubricants Ltd (Philanthropist of the Year), and Kates Associated Industries Limited (2026 Brand of the Year).
Speaking at the event, NAWOJ State Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, said the awards were designed to inspire women and girls by showcasing role models whose achievements demonstrate excellence and resilience.
She emphasized the need for increased female representation in decision-making across all levels of government, while commending Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for appointing more women into key positions in his administration.
Ifejika described the appointments as a testament to the governor’s commitment to gender balance and inclusivity. She also praised the governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, the Grand Patron of NAWOJ, for her continued support for women journalists and the media profession.
In an acceptance message, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, expressed appreciation to NAWOJ, noting that the recognition comes with a responsibility to amplify the voices of marginalized groups.
“This award is not merely symbolic but a call to deepen advocacy for those often unheard, especially women and children,” he said.
Aburime reaffirmed his commitment to supporting professional journalism and maintaining an open-door policy for media practitioners.
He was represented at the event by Mr Ejike Abana.
Tags:
NAWOJ, International Women’s Day 2026, Anambra State, Women Empowerment, Uche Ekwunife, Kate Omenugha, Ngozi Ezeonu, Ify Aronu, Chioma Awuzie, Oge Ekweozor, Esther Onyejesi, Vera Nwadinobi, Helen Eze, Ikioye Orutugu, Christian Aburime, Chukwuma Soludo, Nonye Soludo, Gender Inclusion, Women Leadership, Nigeria News
