From Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
In other to uphold the virtues responsibilities and need for women inclusion of the women folk in our society, The Anambra State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have joined hands to celebrate the world international women’s day.
The event which hosted different women support groups who attended from far and wide, News Echo Reports, was to commemorate with the NAWOJ members in the state and reflect on issues bothering on women in general.
Held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, on Tuesday 31st March, 2026 with recognition of outstanding personalities from the state for their various outstanding contributions in Politics, Education, Society and Philanthropy.
The event also witnessed conferment of NAWOJ Personalities of the Year on CP Ikioye Orutugu, Anambra State Commissioner of Police – Firepower with Finesse Policing Award, Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor as Media Personality of the Year, Lovebite Foods and Beverages – Entrepreneurship Excellence Award of the Year, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO Seahorse Lubricant Ltd – Philanthropist of the Year and Kates Associated Industries Limited as the 2026 Brand of the Year.
In her Address, the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Tochukwuu Ifejika said that the idea behind the recognition was to establish a standard where other women and girls would look up as bearers for emulation as role models.
Ifejika said no better time could be used to honour these out- standing Amazons and other personalities from the State than the occasion marking this year’s International Women’s Day.
While calling for inclusion of more women in decision making organs at the three arms and levels of government, Ifejika felicitated with the State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo on the appointments of some female technocrats and commencement of his second term administration.
The NAWOJ boss noted that the appointment of some women into the Solution Team marks him out as an outstanding female-friendly governor in his second term in office.
She described it as a milestone and a testament to the confidence and trust reposed in his leadership by the people of Anambra State.
Ifejika praised the Governor’s commitment to gender balance and recognition of competence among women in governance.
She also hailed the governor’s wife and Grand Patron of NAWOJ, Dr. Nonye Soludo whose unwavering support for women journalists and
commitment to the growth of the media profession remain truly commendable.
In his acceptance speech that centered on the pillars of justice, equity, and the celebration of female excellence, the governor’s press secretary, Aburime, expressed deep gratitude to NAWOJ, noting that being a media personality carries a weight of responsibility that goes far beyond public visibility.
“This award is not a trophy for the mantelpiece, but a mandate to continue amplifying the voices of those who are often silenced,” he stated.
He aligned the honor with the core mission of the Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo administration, which he characterized as being deeply rooted in the welfare of the vulnerable and the often “forgotten segments” of society.
Mr. Aburime reaffirmed his commitment to an “open-door policy” for NAWOJ and the broader media, pledging his continued support for professional journalism that priorities developmental issues, particularly those affecting women and children.
In their seperate remarks, Anambra State President, National Council for Women Society Lady Theresa Nnalue said the event was to commemorate the women international day. My organisation is an umbrella organisation of all women organisation. “We seek for socio and economic welfare for women,”
Lady Nnalue called on the women to come out and let their voice be heard. “The government should give seat at the senate, house of representatives and house of assemblies where we can contribute our quota to the development of the nation. Finance is also one of our challenge especially in political positions but we thank our Governor Soludo who always have women in mind making us an inclusive part of his administration. He appoints women in key positions like the current Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Nnake, look at the local government mayor’s most of their deputies are women. So what we want is that inclusiveness and consider us where we are not able to meet up.
She charged women to come out speak out and act so that they will know we are here.
Mrs Maureen Nkechi Achebe, Chairman, New Era Secondary School Old Girls Association, pointed out that women battle with inequality and today women have gathered to lend in their voices to be heard. “In politics we are minority and we want also to participate in governance, in building up society which we are among.”
She urged women to stand up for ourselves and make sure your voice is heard, come our when your needed, do what is necessary as a woman and not to sit at home.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee of IWD, Dr. Ifeyinwa Oduah, named the recipients as: Senator Uche Ekwunife – Political Icon, Professor (Mrs) Kate Omenugha – Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu University, Ngozi Ezeonu -Ace Nigerian Actress and Dr. Ify Aronu – International Broadcaster/Youth development activist.
Others are, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie – Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Barr. Oge Ekjweozir – Women’s Leader/ Educationist, Mrs Esther Onyejesi – Anambra State APGA Women’s Leader, Dr. (Mrs) Vera Nkiruka Nwadinobi – Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education (ASUBEB), and Mrs Helen Ngozi Eze – Humanitarian.
