NAWOJ Celebrates Excellence: Honouring Soludo, Ilonzo, Akunyili, Other Notable Anambra Women
By Chizoba Njaka
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, has announced plans to confer achievement awards on several distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective fields including the wife of the State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, Chief Dr. Mrs. Flora Ilonzo, and the late Professor Dora Akunyili, at a ceremony scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center.
According to the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, the late Professor Dora Akunyili, renowned Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), will be posthumously honoured with a prestigious Legend Award, Honorable Ada Adogu, the first female minister from Anambra State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame Dr. Virgy Etiaba, the first female governor in Nigeria as well as Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, as well as the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Comrade Ifejika, also announced additional recipients of the Anambra Female Achiever Award who include: Senator Margrey Chuba-Okadigbo, Former Senator of Anambra North, Professor Oby Lilian Orogbu, Representing Awka North and Awka South federal Constituency, Chief Dr. Flora Ilonzo, the first female artist in old Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Kanayo Chukwurah, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu as well as Dr. Rita Njideka Chikezie.
She as exposed that, the initiative is part of the NAWOJ activities to commemorate the International Women's Day (IWD) celebration, which was observed globally by the United Nations on March 8. According to her, this year's celebration themed "Accelerate Action on Gender Equality" with a sub-theme specifically designed by NAWOJ: "Projecting Anambra Female Achievers (Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow).
"As part of this year's celebration NAWOJ will honour and recognize the achievements of outstanding Anambra women who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, defying traditional gender norms and achieving excellence in male-dominated spheres. This initiative aims to inspire and motivate young Anambra women who aspire to make their mark in similar fields", she added.
The NAWOJ Chairperson used the opportunity to call on the people of Anambra to attend the ceremony honouring the achievements of remarkable women from the state as the event is part of the International Women's Day celebration, which aims to promote gender equality and recognize the accomplishments of women who have excelled in various fields.
She added that the ceremony will also showcase the contributions of Anambra women who have made significant strides in their respective careers, inspiring young women to pursue their goals and strive for excellence. By acknowledging these achievements, NAWOJ seeks to accelerate action towards achieving gender equality, providing equal opportunities for all, and eliminating gender biases, barriers, and stereotypes.