Edo NAWOJ Celebrates International Women's Day with Heartwarming Visit to Home of the Elderly

Edo NAWOJ Celebrates International Women's Day with Heartwarming Visit to Home of the Elderly

Habiba Sam

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, marked the 2026 International Women's Day celebration with a charitable visit and gift presentation to the Catholic Home of the Elderly, St Paul's Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City. 

The event was part of the association's activities to commemorate the day, themed "Give to Gain".

The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Habiba Sam, led a delegation of EXCO members and association members on the visit, presenting food items and toiletries to the elderly residents. 

In her remarks, Comrade Sam expressed the association's desire to show love and care to the elderly, stating, "We are pleased to be in your presence to mark this year's celebration with you, knowing that you are in your twilight years where you can hardly be seen. We hope our visit brings hope and good memories, glading your hearts and making this day remarkable for us all."

The caregiver, Mrs. Rose John, responded on behalf of the Directress, Rev. Sister Gloria Ochei, expressing profound gratitude for the visit and gift presentation. 

She thanked the women journalists for finding the home worthy to celebrate the International Women's Day with and prayed for God's abundance for the group.

In a poignant display of gratitude, the eldest resident, Mrs. Comfort Solomon, who is 111 years old, fervently prayed for the group, blessing them for their kindness.

Earlier, Mrs. Rose John had appealed to the women journalists to use their various media platforms to raise awareness about the Home of the Elderly, stating, "I plead with you all to assist us in taking care of our aged mothers by letting the public know there is a home like this. The Archbishop of Benin is sponsoring their total welfare, including medical care. We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to assist with their care."

The items presented included foodstuffs and toiletries, which will surely bring joy and comfort to the residents. The appeal by Mrs. Rose John to use various media platforms to raise awareness about the Home of the Elderly is also noteworthy. It's a call to action for all to support this noble cause. 

The event was a heartwarming display of compassion and kindness, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community. 

The NAWOJ Edo State Chapter demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, embodying the spirit of the International Women's Day theme, "Give to Gain".

NAWOJ Edo Chairperson Commemorates International Women's Day 2026

 NAWOJ Edo Chairperson Commemorates International Women's Day 2026

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Habiba Sam, has joined the global community in celebrating International Women's Day 2026.

 In a statement, Comrade Habiba Sam noted that this year's theme, "Give To Gain," underscores the significance of investing in women and creating opportunities that enable them to contribute to national development.

She commended the resilience, dedication, and professionalism of women journalists in Edo State and Nigeria, acknowledging their role in promoting responsible journalism and amplifying women's voices. 

The NAWOJ Edo Chairperson called on government, private organizations, and stakeholders to support policies and initiatives promoting gender equality, empowering women, and fostering an inclusive society.

Comrade Habiba Sam extended her congratulations to women on International Women's Day, encouraging them to remain united, resilient, and committed to advancing women's and girls' causes in all sectors.

Fit and Fabulous: Edo Women Celebrate International Women's Day with Health Walk

Fit and Fabulous: Edo Women Celebrate International Women's Day with Health Walk

Habiba Sam 

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady, organized a health walk and exercise program to commemorate International Women's Day. 

The event, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, attracted a large turnout of women from various walks of life, including special advisers, commissioners, directors, media women, NGOs, and physically challenged individuals.

In her opening remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, stating that a healthy woman is a productive woman who contributes to a healthy nation. She encouraged women to make time for their health and wellbeing.

The Coordinator, Office of the Edo First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented at the event by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs. Betty Okonobor,appreciated the women for their enthusiasm and urged them to prioritize exercise and wellness in their busy lives.

A highlight of the event was a health talk on menopause by Dr. Anthonia Inibokun Ijoku, Chief Medical Director at Central Hospital, who explained that menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation after 12 months. She advised women on managing menopausal symptoms through a balanced diet, exercise, and supplements.

The event also featured free medical check-ups, and the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme offered subsidized health rates to participants, including those not on the government payroll.

The diverse group of women who participated in the health walk included government officials, media professionals, representatives from NGOs, and individuals with disabilities, showcasing the inclusive nature of the event.

CAMPAN Members Urged to Shine as Salt of the Earth, Light of the World

CAMPAN Members Urged to Shine as Salt of the Earth, Light of the World

Habiba Sam Rev. Father Romanus Mbakwe, Chaplain of the Catholic Media Practitioners in Edo State, has urged journalists to be beacons of light in their reporting, shining truth and justice in a world often shrouded in darkness. 

Speaking at the 2026 Lenten retreat themed "We are the Salt of the Earth, Light of the World" (Matthew 5:13), Fr. Mbakwe emphasized that as media practitioners, they have a sacred duty to illuminate the truth, countering darkness and evil with courage and integrity.

He cautioned against allowing corruption or external pressures to compromise their conscience, stressing the importance of balanced, truthful reporting that mentors upcoming professionals and promotes peace. 

"We should not allow brown envelopes to take away our conscience as Catholic Christians and CAMPAN members," he said, urging practitioners to be bold, thorough, and faithful to Catholic values.The retreat concluded with Mass, where Fr. Mbakwe encouraged the media practitioners to trust in God and remain sensitive to the needs of others, embodying the values of their profession.

Edo Women Affairs Ministry Launches Trade Fair to Celebrate International Women's Day

Edo Women Affairs Ministry Launches Trade Fair to Celebrate International Women's Day

Habiba Sam 

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has kicked off a three-day trade fair at the State Secretariat in Benin City, as part of the 2026 International Women's Day celebrations. 

The event, led by Commissioner Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, aims to showcase the talents and contributions of women and girls in society.

In her opening speech, Commissioner Abdallah emphasized that the trade fair is more than just a marketplace, but a celebration of women's resilience, innovation, and contributions to society. 

"When we empower a woman, we don't just help an individual, we ignite the engine of a whole community," she said.

The trade fair is a precursor to International Women's Day, themed "Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls," highlighting women's empowerment and contributions.

It provides a platform for women entrepreneurs, young innovators, and community leaders to showcase their skills, expand their networks, and strengthen their economic Independence .

The event features a variety of items, including foodstuffs, hair products, clothing, shoes,  jewelries and household goods at affordable prices.

"This 3-day event is our ministry's way of saying, 'We see your hard work, and we are providing the platform for you to scale up'," Abdallah added. 

The trade fair will run from March 4 to March 6, 2026, and is expected to promote women's economic empowerment and celebrate their achievements.

NAWOJ Forges Partnership with Edo Ministry of Women Affairs for Advocacy and Development

NAWOJ Forges Partnership with Edo Ministry of Women Affairs for Advocacy and Development

Habiba Sam 

In a significant move towards strengthening advocacy for women and vulnerable groups, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, on March 3, 2026. 

The delegation, led by the dynamic Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Aniekan Sam, sought to formally introduce the newly elected executive members and forge a robust partnership with the Ministry.

 The atmosphere was one of mutual respect and anticipation as Comrade Sam addressed the distinguished officials and her esteemed NAWOJ exco members.

Comrade Habiba Aniekan Sam opened her speech by expressing profound gratitude for the warm reception, which she hailed as a clear indicator of the Commissioner's dedication to collaboration and progress. 

She emphasized NAWOJ's unwavering commitment to professionalism, advocacy, and service, values that form the bedrock of the association. 

"We look forward to working closely with your office and other stakeholders to advance the cause of women and vulnerable groups in our society," 

Comrade Sam articulated, setting a collaborative tone for the visit. She then warmly congratulated Hon. Abdallah on her appointment, acknowledging her impactful work, particularly highlighting the commendable rescue and rehabilitation efforts concerning a mentally challenged woman's baby. 

This act of compassion, Sam noted, served as a shining example of the Commissioner's dedication to humanity and social justice, resonating deeply with NAWOJ's own advocacy.

 Comrade Sam detailed NAWOJ's mission, which includes promoting the welfare of women journalists, amplifying women's voices, and advancing gender-sensitive reporting, she underscored the association's goal to empower its members and contribute meaningfully to issues affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups.

 She pointed to the upcoming International Women's Day as a prime opportunity for joint programmes that would celebrate women's achievements and confront the challenges they face. 

The Chairperson concluded her address by reiterating the association's eagerness to build a productive relationship and work together for the greater good of women and society at large, expressing anticipation for continued collaboration.

In response, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Irenosen Ihensekhien, who received the delegation on behalf of Commissioner Eugenia Abdallah, lauded NAWOJ for its supportive spirit and profound dedication to women-related causes. 

Mrs. Ihensekhien praised the women journalists for their critical role in societal development and acknowledged their efforts in highlighting issues pertinent to women and children. 

She assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to actively collaborate with NAWOJ, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in achieving their collective goals for women's empowerment and social development within Edo State. 

The Permanent Secretary conveyed the Commissioner's appreciation for NAWOJ's visit and commitment to fostering a strong alliance.

The visit concluded with both parties expressing optimism for a fruitful partnership. NAWOJ's proactive step in seeking collaboration aligns perfectly with the Ministry's mandate, paving the way for joint initiatives that promise to bring significant positive changes to the lives of women and vulnerable populations across Edo State.

 The exchange reaffirmed the power of synergy between professional bodies and government agencies in driving social progress.

Heartfelt Congratulations to you on Your Re-election, Chairman Jarret Tenebe

Heartfelt Congratulations to you on Your Re-election, Chairman Jarret Tenebe 

My Dearest Chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe,

It is with immense joy and profound admiration that I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your well-deserved re-election as the Edo State APC Chairman. This victory is a resounding testament to your exceptional leadership, tireless hard work, and unwavering dedication to our great party.

Your commitment to the progress and unity of the APC in Edo State has been evident to all, and your efforts have truly strengthened our foundation. It is through leaders like you that our party continues to thrive and connect with the aspirations of the good people of Edo State.

As you embark on this renewed mandate, I pray for even greater wisdom, strength, and success in all your endeavors. May your tenure be marked by continued achievements and further triumphs for the APC.

Once again, congratulations, Chairman!

Sincerely,

Chief, Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP)

Former Executive Director, Edo State Rapid Response Agency and Aspirant Federal House of Representatives, Etsako Federal Constituency