By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), on Tuesday celebrated this year 2026 World International Women’s Day with recognition of outstanding personalities from the State for their various outstanding contributions in Politics, Education, Society and Philanthropy.
The event took place at Prof Dura Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka.
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.
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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.
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.
Speaking concerning the ceremony, 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.
Closing his address, Mr. Aburime reaffirmed his commitment to an “open-door policy” for NAWOJ and the broader media, pledging his continued support for professional journalism that prioritizes developmental issues, particularly those affecting women and children.
The CPS was represented by Mr Ejike Abana.
