The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has honoured late Kudirat Olayinka Abiola as its “Iconic Woman” in commemoration of 30 years since her assassination on June 4, 1996.

The association also conveyed its condolences to NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim, following the death of her daughter-in-law.

In separate statements issued on Thursday, the association described both events as significant moments for reflection, remembrance, and solidarity within the journalism community.

Why Kudirat Abiola’s Legacy Still Matters

According to NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Jumoke Johnson, Kudirat Abiola remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to democracy in Nigeria.

She said the recognition was intended to honour a woman whose activism helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey during one of its most turbulent political periods.

“Chief Kudirat Abiola was more than the wife of Chief MKO Abiola. She was a leading activist, a strategist, and an unyielding voice for justice, even at great personal risk.”

Johnson added:

“Three decades after her death, her legacy continues to inspire women across journalism, governance, civil society, and every arena where equity is pursued.”

Kudirat Abiola became one of the most prominent voices advocating for the restoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate believed by many Nigerians to have been won by her husband, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Her assassination in Lagos on June 4, 1996, remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.

NAWOJ Calls for Protection of Women Advocates and Journalists

NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Anu M. Thomas, said the association’s Iconic Woman recognition was created to celebrate women whose contributions have transformed society and inspired future generations.

She noted that Kudirat Abiola’s ability to mobilise women, civil society groups, and international supporters during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12 election demonstrated exceptional leadership.

“Kudirat demonstrated that journalism and activism converge when truth is threatened.”

Thomas added:

“As women journalists, we are strengthened by her example of deploying her voice, influence, and resources to defend what is right, even in perilous times.”

The association urged governments at all levels to strengthen protections for women human rights defenders and journalists while encouraging media organisations to amplify stories about women’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Johnson said:

“Her passing on 4 June 1996 was a national loss. Yet her life endures as proof that one woman, guided by courage and conviction, can transform a nation.”

NAWOJ Lagos Mourns With National Chairperson

In a separate statement, the Lagos chapter expressed sympathy to Aisha Ibrahim following the death of her daughter-in-law.

Johnson described the loss as a deeply painful moment not only for the Ibrahim family but also for members of the association nationwide.

“The transition of the late daughter-in-law represents not only a personal bereavement for the Ibrahim family, but a moment of collective grief for the entire NAWOJ sisterhood across Nigeria.”

The statement emphasised that while death is an inevitable part of life, the pain of losing a loved one often leaves families struggling to cope with an irreplaceable void.

The association said:

“We received the report of your daughter-in-law’s passing with heavy hearts and a deep sense of loss. Words are inadequate to capture the pain this moment carries, yet we wish to reassure you that you are surrounded by the prayers, empathy, and solidarity of every member of NAWOJ Lagos.”

NAWOJ Lagos also encouraged its members to support the National Chairperson through prayers and solidarity during the mourning period.

Industry and Public Significance

Women’s rights advocates and media professionals have repeatedly highlighted the importance of preserving the stories of women who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Observers say recognising figures such as Kudirat Abiola helps younger generations understand the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy while encouraging greater participation of women in governance, journalism, and civic engagement.

Similarly, expressions of solidarity during times of personal loss are seen as reinforcing professional unity and support networks within organisations such as NAWOJ.

What Happens Next?

As Nigeria reflects on three decades since Kudirat Abiola’s death, advocacy groups continue to call for stronger protections for journalists, activists, and women leaders.

For NAWOJ, the dual messages of remembrance and condolence underscore the association’s commitment to celebrating impactful women while supporting members through difficult personal moments.

The Nigeria Customs Service has called for stronger collaboration with the media as part of efforts to improve public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support national development goals.

The agency made the call during a media parley held at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, where senior Customs officers and journalists discussed the role of accurate reporting in trade facilitation, border security, and economic reforms.

The event, organised by the National Public Relations Unit of the Customs Service, was themed: “Building Synergy Between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders’ Awareness and National Development.”

Why the partnership matters

Speaking during the engagement, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, described the media as a critical partner in nation-building.

“The media serves as a vital bridge through which government policies, Customs procedures, trade regulations, and enforcement activities are communicated to stakeholders and the general public,” he said.

Maiwada said the Customs Service, under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi, has intensified reforms focused on trade modernisation, digital transformation, intelligence-led enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and institutional transparency.

According to him, the reforms are designed to create a more accountable and technology-driven Customs administration capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth ambitions.

Customs pushes transparency amid reforms

The Customs spokesperson also urged journalists to prioritise professionalism and balanced reporting as the Service continues to modernise its operations.

“We value this relationship and will continue to work closely with journalists to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of Customs activities,” Maiwada added.

He said stronger collaboration with credible media organisations and multilingual communication strategies would help combat misinformation and improve public understanding of Customs policies.

Industry observers say closer cooperation between government agencies and the media could improve public confidence in economic institutions, especially as Nigeria continues reforms in trade and border management.

Journalists commend Customs engagement

In his remarks, Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Usman Adamu, described the engagement as timely.

“The partnership between Customs and the media remains indispensable in achieving effective revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security objectives,” he said.

Also speaking, Mustapha Muhammad praised the Customs Service for organising the meeting and strengthening ties with journalists across northern Nigeria.

He described the relationship between the media and Customs as “two sides of the same coin” and reaffirmed journalists’ commitment to ethical and responsible reporting.

The engagement attracted journalists and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina states.

Interactive session focuses on trade and enforcement

The parley also featured an interactive session where journalists engaged Customs officials on trade facilitation procedures, enforcement operations, stakeholder concerns, and border management issues.

Participants stressed the need for sustained dialogue, trust, and transparency to strengthen cooperation between the media and the Customs Service.

What’s next?

The renewed media engagement comes as the Nigeria Customs Service continues implementing reforms aimed at increasing revenue generation, improving trade efficiency, and modernising border operations.

Analysts say effective communication and public awareness campaigns could play a key role in helping businesses, importers, exporters, and the wider public better understand Customs policies and procedures.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called on government institutions, corporate organisations, and communication professionals to support the completion of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) national secretariat project in Abuja.

Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the NIPR headquarters — known as “Public Relations Place” — in Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday, Adeniyi described the project as a symbol of recognition for the public relations profession in Nigeria.

The Customs chief said the communication industry has contributed significantly to nation-building and professional development across sectors, adding that the time had come for practitioners to invest in a permanent national structure for the profession.

“PR has done a lot for many of us. It has given us opportunities and platforms to serve, and it has made many of us what we are today. This is the time for us to give something back to the profession,” Adeniyi said.

Why the NIPR Secretariat Matters

The proposed secretariat is expected to serve as the permanent administrative headquarters of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, one of the country’s leading professional communication bodies.

Industry observers say the project comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares to host the World Public Relations Forum later this year — a global gathering expected to attract communication experts, policymakers, media executives, and public relations professionals from several countries.

Adeniyi said the project could become a landmark for the profession and a national symbol that reflects the growing importance of strategic communication in governance, business, and public engagement.

“We are hosting the world before the end of the year, and this project will be a good gift from Nigeria to the global PR family. Every support towards its completion will be welcome,” he added.

The Customs boss also pledged to continue mobilising support for the project both within and outside the public relations industry.

Radio Nigeria Commends Progress

The Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Muhammad Bulama, praised the speed of construction and described the development as a major milestone for the communication industry.

Bulama said Radio Nigeria approved the use of the land because of the Institute’s importance to public communication and national development.

According to him, the site had previously housed an abandoned structure for years, making the current progress particularly significant.

“To be very honest, I was initially sceptical. But today, we are seeing a massive structure rising here within a short period, and we are proud to host this important institution,” he said.

He also commended Adeniyi for his continued commitment to the project.

“I want to particularly thank the Comptroller-General of Customs for his support for this institution. He has remained deeply committed to this project,” Bulama stated.

NIPR Leadership Reaffirms Commitment

Also speaking during the inspection visit, the Vice President of NIPR and Chairman of the Project Committee, Emmanuel Dandaura, said the Institute remained committed to delivering a befitting headquarters for the profession.

Dandaura, who received the Customs chief on behalf of NIPR President Ike Neliaku, said support from professionals and institutions had strengthened the committee’s determination to complete the project successfully.

The inspection was attended by members of the NIPR Governing Council, officials of the FRCN, engineers overseeing the project, and stakeholders within Nigeria’s communication and public relations sector.

Industry Perspective

Communication experts say the completion of the secretariat could strengthen professional standards, training, and collaboration within Nigeria’s public relations industry.

Analysts also note that the project reflects broader efforts to professionalise strategic communication as misinformation, digital media influence, and public trust become increasingly important issues in governance and corporate reputation management.

For younger communication professionals, the project could provide a stronger institutional identity for the industry and help position Nigeria more prominently within the global PR community.