IWD 2025: IPI Pays Tribute to Nigerian Journalism Trailblazer Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika
LAGOS/Nigeria: As part of its 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, the International Press Institute (IPI) has paid special tribute to Nigerian journalism luminary, Professor Abigail Odozi Ogwezzy-Ndisika, recognizing her outstanding contributions to media development and strategic communication.
Ogwezzy-Ndisika, a professor of journalism and mass communication at the University of Lagos (Unilag), has made history as the first woman and first alumna to lead the institution’s Department of Mass Communication. With over 30 years of experience, she has played a pivotal role in shaping journalism education in Nigeria, training journalists, advising major projects, and consulting for multilateral organizations.
A long-time editorial board member of The Guardian, she also serves as Deputy President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria and is the founder of the Media Action & Development Foundation. As a respected member of the IPI Nigerian National Committee, her work continues to drive press freedom and media inclusivity.
IPI, in its statement marking International Women’s Day on March 8, highlighted the impact of women in journalism worldwide. “From our first female member to the courageous collective of journalists, innovators, and media leaders we are honored to include in our network today, these women have shaped the face of journalism and free media globally,” IPI stated.
Ogwezzy-Ndisika joins a distinguished list of female media leaders celebrated by IPI, including Oveta Culp Hobby, a founding member of IPI and pioneering journalist; Mzia Amaglobeli of Georgia, known for her fearless independent reporting; and Alessia Cerantola of Italy, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist. Others honored include investigative journalists Anuška Delić (Slovenia), Solafa Magdy (Egypt), and Juliana Mori (Brazil), as well as media pioneers Priya Thuvassery (India) and Joanna Krawczyk (Germany).
Ogwezzy-Ndisika’s recognition further cements her status as a leading voice in journalism and mass communication. In 2018, she was the lead speaker at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Public Annual Lecture Series, addressing the challenge of fake news ahead of the 2019 General Elections. Her relentless advocacy for press freedom, mentorship of the next generation of journalists, and commitment to media excellence continue to inspire journalists across Nigeria and beyond.
