Tribute to an Amazing Amazon
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, warmly felicitates with the National Chairperson of the Association, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Kwaya-Bura, on the joyous occasion of her birthday.
Today, we celebrate not only an accomplished journalist and distinguished leader but also a woman whose tenure at the helm of NAWOJ has continued to redefine purposeful leadership, professional development, women’s empowerment and institutional growth.
Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim is a mother par excellence, a media professional, an astute administrator, a mentor, a courageous advocate and a great motivator whose commitment to the advancement of women journalists has earned her admiration across Nigeria.
Under her leadership, NAWOJ has recorded several significant milestones. One of the most notable is the acquisition of land and the securing of the Certificate of Occupancy for a permanent National Secretariat of NAWOJ in the Federal Capital Territory, a landmark development aimed at giving the Association a stronger institutional foundation and a permanent home.
Her administration has also prioritised the capacity building and professional development of women journalists, including the introduction of training on Artificial Intelligence and its application to journalism and investigative reporting, equipping members with skills needed to remain relevant in the rapidly changing media landscape.
In the area of economic empowerment, her leadership facilitated collaboration between NAWOJ and SMEDAN to provide female journalists with entrepreneurship and business-development opportunities, with the objective of creating alternative income streams for women journalists and strengthening their financial independence.
Her administration has equally expanded NAWOJ’s partnerships with important development organisations. The Memorandum of Understanding with Plan International opened another platform for promoting gender equality, advancing children’s rights, empowering women and girls, and amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups through advocacy and quality journalism.
Hajiya Ibrahim has also demonstrated strong commitment to women’s political participation and representation. Under her leadership, NAWOJ partnered with the League of Women Voters of Nigeria on the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance Campaign, advocating for the passage of the Special Seats Bill and greater representation of women in governance.
Her leadership has further strengthened NAWOJ’s collaboration with women-focused organisations, including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and ActionAid Nigeria, with emphasis on women’s leadership, advocacy and the Women Voices and Leadership programme.
Another major milestone is the establishment of the Women in Security, Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Summit and Awards (WINSEC), an initiative designed to bring greater attention to the role of women in national security, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and nation-building. The maiden summit brought together stakeholders from the security sector, government, civil society, development community and the media.
Through WINSEC and other strategic engagements, Hajiya Ibrahim has also strengthened relationships between NAWOJ and key security institutions, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC, promoting collaboration on women’s participation in security, journalists’ safety, peacebuilding and strategic communication.
Her administration has consistently championed gender-sensitive journalism, women’s leadership, media professionalism, democratic participation and the protection of women and children, while encouraging women journalists to use their platforms to influence positive change in society.
Indeed, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim’s leadership has demonstrated that NAWOJ can be more than a professional association; it can serve as a powerful platform for advocacy, empowerment, capacity development, social transformation and national development.
Ma, as you mark another year today, NAWOJ Ebonyi celebrates your courage, humility, resilience, vision, compassion and unwavering dedication to the Association and humanity.
We appreciate your tireless efforts to create opportunities for women journalists, strengthen NAWOJ institutionally, build strategic partnerships and ensure that the voices of Nigerian women continue to be heard.
On behalf of the entire leadership and members of NAWOJ Ebonyi State Chapter, we wish you a glorious birthday filled with joy, good health, wisdom, favour and renewed strength.
May Almighty God continue to guide you, enlarge your capacity, bless your family and grant you many more years of impactful service, outstanding accomplishments and fulfilment.
Happy Birthday to our amiable National Chairperson, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim!
Your leadership is making a difference. Your vision is creating opportunities. Your legacy is taking shape.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Ma!
Signed:
Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi
Chairperson, NAWOJ Ebonyi State Chapter