By Peace Aboje
THE Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has paid glowing tributes to some of its members recently inducted into the Nigeria Women Hall of Fame by the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr Asabe Valitta-Bashir.
NAWOJ, in an undated congratulatory message made available to National Record on Thursday, and signed by Ms Ladi Bala, its President, also commended Dr Valitta-Bashir for the successful renaming ceremony of the National Centre for Women Development after former first lady, the late Mrs Maryam Babangida.
Ms Bala described the ceremony as “a great feat and remarkable reminder of the dogged and committed efforts of our heroine past, Late Dr Maryam Babangida, who brought women issues to national limelight and prominence in governance in Nigeria.”
Ms Bala, in the congratulatory message entitled, “Congratulations To Our Cherished Amazons”, expressed happiness that three media personalities made the list of inductees.
The message further reads: “NAWOJ is particularly pleased that three media personalities made the list of inductees into the national Hall of Fame.
“On this note, we wish to pay special tribute to our distinguished and amiable former President, Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola, MFR, a trail blazer of note and mentor to many for her induction and as a recipient of the Award of Excellence for her contributions to nation building.
“Other distinguished leaders and outstanding media personalities that were inducted include Dr Ene Ede, a gender activist and renowned media icon, and Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of First Women Radio in Nigeria amongst other distinguished Nigerian women.
“Today, we join others to celebrate your unique leadership qualities and contribution to the growth of humanity.
“This stride is a clear demonstration that efforts of women are being recognized and appreciated.
“NAWOJ National Secretariat is specifically proud that three of her members were accorded recognition and meritoriously appreciated.
“NAWOJ also congratulates all the women of worth that were inducted and honoured with various Awards.”
The induction ceremony held on Tuesday 18th July 2023 in Abuja, where the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially renamed the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) after the late Mrs Maryam Babangida.
It would be recalled that the federal government immortalised the late Mrs. Maryam Babangida by renaming the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) after her, in recognition of the impact of her projects on women, especially those in rural areas.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Abuja, on June 20, 2023.
Mrs Udoh said the Senate passed a bill for the renaming on March 29, 2023, while the House of Representatives did same on April 5, 2023.
She said the renaming is in line with amendment of the National Centre for Women Development Act, Cap. N15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to enhance functions of the centre.
“The government, under the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the bill by assenting to it in May 2023. By this information, we want our esteemed partners, the general public, and media personnel to take note of the change and help publicise it to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and beyond,” Mrs Udoh said.
