In commemoration of 2025 International Women’s Day, we asked students of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, taking the Media Biographies in Nigeria course to give a shout-out to some of the accomplished female journalists, broadcasters and other media professionals they have read about. Below are some of the many responses.
Toun Okewale Sonaiya: ‘You are the real Superwoman’
Chief Executive Officer · Women Radio WFM 91.7
I want to give a special shout-out to an exemplary personality who has not only inspired me but many other women across Nigeria, Africa and the world at large Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya.
A matriarch who started the first female-centric radio in Nigeria WFM 91.7 She made a very bold move as there wasn’t any existing channel solely for women to have a united voice, speak up and express themselves.
I admire your dedication to your work as you have set a foundation for empowering younger women of this generation and the ones to come to know their rights, grow, thrive, speak up, know that they can be the best version of themselves, and surge forth and pursue their dreams. Many look up to you as a role model and an icon of women’s improvement. You are the real Superwoman.❤❤❤
*Adepoju Boluwatife
Funke Treasure: ‘Inspired by your zeal and act of humanity’
Broadcast Journalist & Administrator
International Women’s Day is a day we celebrate and recognize the value of women in society.
Shout-out to all the women in the world including me.
A special shout-out to Ms Funke Treasure for her outstanding career in the media. Your early retirement as assistant director from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria shows how selfless you are when it comes to creating opportunities for others to experience and grow. Despite the challenges that might have come with this retirement, your versatility in the media space creates more opportunities for you to encourage and inspire young broadcast journalists.
I am not just inspired by your accomplishments in the media space, but your zeal and act of humility.
*Shout-out to you mama by Joel
Anike Agbaje-Williams: Paved the way for other women
First female broadcaster on WNTV station
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY is a day used to celebrate all women from all over the world. It is a day for women to be proud of their achievements whether in politics, business, journalism, mother, sister, doctor or women in other professions or fields of study.
However, I would like to celebrate the late Anike Agbaje-Williams (née Kuforiji) born on the 23rd of October 1936 who was the first female broadcaster of WNTV station.
She was a self-made woman who did something others would have called impossible. She is not only known in Nigeria but all over Africa and abroad as she was also engaged in international media organizations and conferences.
Agbaje-Williams really made an impression on me as she must have felt a lot of pressure being the first woman to accomplish and also paved the way for other women especially since she didn’t have a mentor or role model to look up to. She was a game changer and also one whom all women, ladies and children could look up to.
*Olatunbosun Bukola
Anita Eboigbe: Passionate and hard-working lady
COO Big Cabal Media
I want to say a very big shout-out to all the great and wonderful women on International Women’s Day who have been wonderful and ambitious in their careers and have played a very big role in journalism. I’m inspired by Madam Anita’s academic journey and success story in her career.
I’m also inspired as she levelled the ground of journalism not only as a strategist and a media operator, above all, but we also read she is a builder. I learnt something impactful from her when she said “It’s not just about telling stories, It’s about building a system that allows these stories to have a lasting impact.”
Anita is a passionate and hard-working lady who is already made by her success in the industry. I must say that she’s a superwoman. 👌❤🔥
By: Ezugwu Amarachi precious
Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy: Shining example of what it means to be a strong, intelligent, and compassionate woman
Director, Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), UNILAG
Happy International Women’s Day to the incredible Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy. As a trailblazing academic and Nigeria’s third female professor of Mass Communication, she’s a true inspiration to women everywhere. Her impressive career spans over three decades, with numerous achievements in research, teaching, and community service.
Her expertise in Development Communication, Public Relations, and Advertising has made her a sought-after consultant and speaker.
Let’s celebrate Prof. Ogwezzy’s remarkable contributions to education, research, and women’s empowerment! She’s a shining example of what it means to be a strong, intelligent, and compassionate woman.
By: Popoola Oluwatofunmi
Abimbola Mohammed: ‘Encouraged me to be a versatile person’
Brand journalist
I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Ms Abimbola Mohammed who has done great work and also made a name for herself in the world of journalism. Her great work does not end with being a journalist, she’s also a content writer and a marketing strategist.
I would like to thank her for being a good leader and a role model to other youths out there who have a passion for this kind of thing. Your achievement so far has made a good impact on me and also encouraged me to be a versatile person. Thank you for all you do ma. We appreciate your effort and courage because it takes one to be courageous to be able to achieve these things in life.
By : Adeleke Elizabeth
Christine Mungai, Lead Curator: ‘I want to be like her someday’
Bazara Media Lab, Kenya
There is no perfect day to appreciate certain women of great qualities who have made an impact on the evolution of the world of journalism and mass enlightenment.
On a day like this, I celebrate an inspirational figure such as Christine Mungai who is an accomplished journalist, writer and curator. The term “charity begins at home” has been seen through her as she focuses on her profession in Africa where she belongs. She strives to build Africa as continent as well as enlighten the people on issues and challenges being faced in the continent.
Photo: CSIS
Her public speaking ability has also inspired me in ways I can’t express. As a writer, I look up to her in the hope that a day will come when someone will see me as cool as I see her. She ensures that she presents the truth and nothing more when writing. Her engagement in certain media development is beautiful to think about. She focused her attention on the building up of African media which is a factor that wows me whenever I read about her.
#acceleratecaction
EZE FAVOUR EBUBECHUKWU
Blessing Oladunjoye: ‘You have brought visibility to the invisible’
Publisher BONews
As we celebrate the achievements of remarkable women in journalism and Media, my shout-out goes to Ms Blessing Oladunjoye.
In an age where marginalized rights still lack proper representation, you bring a spotlight to the issues of women and disabled people everywhere, transcending social barriers and shattering stigmas.
By being the voice of a collective with stories aching to be heard, your marvellous work in the media space sheds light on the untold pains, victories and triumphs of women, disabled people, and children, giving them a chance to reclaim a power denied for so long.
Thank you ma because by being a major catalyst for change, you have brought visibility to the invisible, and with luminaries like you in the media space, Nigeria and the global world at large are moving on a trajectory to more inclusivity for the rights of women, disabled people, and children in mainstream media.
Precious Salau
Funke Egbemode: ‘Guiding light for the young generation’
Former President Nigeria Guild of Editors
I want to give a huge shout-out to Mrs. Funke Egbemode, whose remarkable journey in journalism lights the way for aspiring media students like me. Your passion for storytelling and your dedication to the craft has inspired me to dive into media biographies and chase my dreams in the field.
Your example pushes me every day to strive for excellence, and I’m forever grateful for the inspiration you provide.
Thank you, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, for being a guiding light for the young generation that is aspiring to pursue a career in the media field.
Toyosi Ogunseye: Role model and inspiration
Former Head of BBC West Africa
As we celebrate all women on this International Women’s Day,I celebrate all women for their great work always.
But I want to celebrate the first female editor of Punch Newspaper who all women around the world are always glad to have her around in all of her programmes. She is no other than Ms Toyosi Ogunseye.
She is an investigative journalist and reporter whose environment and health research, report and stories have made an impressive and widespread impact on Nigeria community.
She is indeed a fearless lady of African journalism who will also continue to be a role model and inspiration to so many young youths in the field of journalism.
I celebrate your efforts and achievements on behalf of all women out there
BY: ADEYOYIN EUNICE
READ ALSO: IWD 2025: Time to accelerate action on gender gaps in newsrooms