By Stella Oputah
ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, has concluded its 2026 Media Week celebration with a series of activities combining professional development, women’s health advocacy, humanitarian outreach and recognition of outstanding contributions to journalism and society.
The four-day programme, held in Asaba from Thursday, October 29, to Sunday, November 1, was organised under the theme, “Empowering Women in Media – Innovation, Integrity and Impact,” under the leadership of the State Chairperson, Comrade Sonia Ogugua Unobunjo.
The celebration featured a free breast and cervical cancer screening exercise, physical fitness activities, a humanitarian visit to elderly women, an honours and gala night, and a thanksgiving service, reflecting the association’s commitment to the welfare of its members and its wider social responsibilities.
As part of its health advocacy efforts, the association organised a free breast and cervical cancer screening exercise on Friday, October 30, at the State Secretariat Clinic, Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging preventive healthcare among women and raising awareness about the importance of regular screening and early detection of breast and cervical cancers.
The programme continued on Saturday with an aerobics session designed to promote physical fitness, healthy living and stress management among members.
The association also extended its humanitarian activities to the Marble Hills Foundation Home for Childless Old Widows, where members visited and interacted with elderly women, demonstrating solidarity and concern for their welfare.
The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim, was represented during the visit by her Deputy, Comrade Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu, PhD.
A major highlight of the celebration was the honours and gala night held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Asaba, where distinguished personalities were recognised for their contributions to journalism, leadership, professional excellence and societal development.
Among those honoured were the pioneer Chairperson of NAWOJ Delta State Chapter, Mrs Evelyn Utunye; Lady Evelyn Benitie, the first female General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba; Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, retired Permanent Secretary, Government House, Asaba, and current Chairman of the Delta State Bureau for Pensions; and the Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, PhD.
Speaking through her Deputy, the National Chairperson, Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim, commended the Delta State Chapter for organising what she described as a laudable programme, noting that activities of this nature reflected the vision and mission of the association.
She urged members to remain committed to service and take up responsibilities whenever called upon, stressing that the association required dedication and selflessness from its members.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mrs Christine Jobome-Emetulu, General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, highlighted the importance of the media in society and challenged women journalists to demonstrate competence, responsibility and resilience in managing the demands of the profession.
The co-chairperson, Comrade Mrs Rosemary Nweabuni, the first female Managing Director of The Pointer Publishing Company, Asaba, was represented by one of her deputies, Edna Emeni.
She encouraged women journalists to approach their professional responsibilities with diligence and commitment, expressing confidence that dedication to the profession would yield meaningful rewards.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr (Mrs) Josephine Kingsley Emu, wife of the Secretary to the Delta State Government, who spoke on the theme of the celebration.
She urged women journalists to embrace innovation, uphold integrity and ensure that their professional activities made meaningful contributions to society.
Drawing from her experience in journalism, business and academia, Dr Emu also encouraged journalists, including their male counterparts, to develop self-confidence, maintain professional discipline and pursue excellence in their careers.
The Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, commended the leadership and members of NAWOJ Delta for organising the celebration.
He reaffirmed the council’s support for the association and expressed confidence in its continued growth and success.
In her remarks, the State Chairperson, Comrade Sonia Ogugua Unobunjo, expressed appreciation to the National Chairperson, Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim, for approving Delta State’s hosting of the 2026 Media Week.
She described the approval as a demonstration of confidence in the state chapter and an opportunity to showcase its commitment to women’s empowerment, professional development and humanitarian service.
Unobunjo also commended the 2026 Media Week Planning Committee, led by Comrade Stella Oputah, for its dedication, sacrifice and commitment towards ensuring the successful execution of the programme.
She thanked members of the association for their participation, cooperation and contributions, noting that their collective commitment demonstrated the unity and resilience of NAWOJ Delta.
The chairperson further acknowledged individuals, partners, sponsors and well-wishers whose support contributed to the success of the celebration.
She, however, reserved special appreciation for God Almighty, attributing the peaceful conduct and successful completion of the activities to divine grace, protection and provision.
The celebration concluded on Sunday, November 1, with a thanksgiving service at St. John Mary Vianney Catholic Church, Asaba, where members gathered to express gratitude to God for the successful programme.
In his homily during the Solemnity of All Saints, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Okafor emphasised the importance of holiness, love, kindness and gratitude to God.
The priest also offered prayers for a peaceful, fruitful and successful tenure for the Sonia Unobunjo-led executive of NAWOJ Delta State Chapter.
Beyond the festivities and recognitions, the 2026 Media Week provided an opportunity for the association to reaffirm its commitment to improving the welfare of women journalists, promoting women’s rights, supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening the contribution of women to journalism and public life.
The combination of health advocacy, humanitarian engagement, professional recognition and spiritual reflection underscored the association’s resolve to build a more united, responsible and socially responsive professional body.
