The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State chapter, has named Abigail Ndisika Ogwezzy as its Iconic Woman of the Month for April 2026, citing her contributions to media education and national development.

The honour forms part of the association’s monthly initiative recognising women in Lagos who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence and societal impact.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the growing role of women in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape, particularly through education and mentorship.

It also underscores the importance of academic leadership in strengthening journalism standards at a time when misinformation and digital disruption continue to challenge the industry.

Recognising impact in media education

Prof. Ogwezzy, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, was selected for her influence on generations of students and media professionals.

Her work spans teaching, research and public engagement, with a focus on advancing communication scholarship in Nigeria.

NAWOJ says her career has contributed to improving media professionalism and encouraging ethical standards among emerging journalists.

What NAWOJ said

NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Jumoke Johnson, praised Prof. Ogwezzy’s contributions:

“Her commitment to academic excellence, public engagement, and advocacy has not only strengthened the field of communication but also contributed meaningfully to national discourse and societal advancement.”

She added:

“Her role in mentoring young professionals and empowering women within the media space further underscores her suitability for the honour.”

Industry and public perspective

Media analysts say recognitions like this help elevate role models within journalism and academia.

They also point to the need for stronger collaboration between universities and media organisations to prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital news environment.

For young journalists, particularly women, such recognition offers visibility and inspiration in a competitive industry.

What’s next

NAWOJ Lagos says it will continue its monthly recognition programme to spotlight women making meaningful contributions across sectors.

The association also plans to expand initiatives aimed at professional development and gender inclusion in Nigeria’s media industry.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has received a Fellowship Award from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and announced plans to build a modern multimedia centre for the institution.

The award was presented during a special convocation ceremony on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

Why It Matters

The recognition highlights the growing link between public service leadership and journalism training in Nigeria.

It also signals potential investment in media education, at a time when digital and multimedia skills are increasingly essential in newsrooms.

Adeniyi Reflects on His Journey

Speaking at the event, Adeniyi described the honour as both personal and professional.

“This institution planted in me a set of values that I did not fully understand at the time, but have lived by ever since: professionalism as a standard, not a performance; discipline as a habit, not an event; and continuous self-development as a personal obligation,” he said.

He added that the award reflects not just his career, but the broader work of the Customs Service.

“While we render service to our country, some people somewhere are watching and our day of rewards can actually come like this.”

Multimedia Centre Plan Announced

Dr Adeniyi also pledged to support the development of a new multimedia and resource centre at the institute.

“We would be working with the school after the conduct of needs assessment to put up a building, a two-storey building that would be a multimedia and resource centre,” he said.

“We’ll be having a radio station, editing suites, production suites… a place where they can integrate audio, video, animation, text, images, and all of that.”

The project is expected to strengthen practical training for journalism students and align the institute with global media standards.

Institutional and Government Backing

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Olusegun Osoba, described the moment as historic.

He revealed that the conferment had the approval of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“He graduated from here and has been a shining example of an ex-student of this institute in his area of endeavour,” Mr Osoba said.

He added that Adeniyi is the first alumnus to receive the fellowship.

Academic Perspective

The Provost of the institute, Gbenga Adefaye, said the award reflects the institution’s enduring values.

He noted that Dr Adeniyi’s career demonstrates how journalism training can translate into leadership across sectors.

Industry Perspective

Media analysts say investments like this could help bridge the gap between classroom learning and newsroom realities.

With digital storytelling, podcasting, and multimedia reporting on the rise, institutions without modern facilities risk falling behind.

What’s Next

The Customs chief said the project would begin after a needs assessment with the institute.

If implemented, the centre could become one of Nigeria’s most advanced journalism training facilities.

The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa has signed a partnership with the Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment to improve how people with disabilities are represented across African and global media.

The agreement, announced in Lagos on Tuesday, seeks to move away from portrayals based on pity and stereotypes, towards storytelling rooted in dignity, rights and real-life experiences.

Both organisations say the collaboration will focus on producing inclusive media content and training journalists and creators to tell more accurate and empowering stories.

Why it matters

Disability advocates say media representation plays a major role in shaping public attitudes, policy decisions and social inclusion.

Despite growing conversations around diversity and inclusion globally, disability remains underreported and often misrepresented in mainstream media.

This partnership aims to address that gap by ensuring that stories about people with disabilities are told with them not just about them.

“Reclaiming the narrative”

Speaking at the signing, CDIA’s Executive Director, Yinka Olaito, said the initiative is about giving people with disabilities control over their own stories.

“For too long, disability has been misrepresented in media spaces. This partnership is about reclaiming the narrative—ensuring that stories about persons with disabilities are not told for them, but with them, and most importantly, by them.”

“Storytelling is power, and we are harnessing it to drive inclusion, equity, and social change.”

GADIM also stressed the influence of media on public perception and policymaking.

“The partnership will challenge bias, and inspire systemic change across the media and entertainment industries globally.”

What the partnership will do

Under the agreement, both organisations will:

Co-produce and distribute inclusive multimedia content

Share knowledge with journalists and media professionals

Develop guidelines for inclusive storytelling

Amplify voices of people with disabilities across platforms

CDIA added that it will expand training and mentorship for journalists, filmmakers and content creators, alongside research and advocacy efforts.

Industry and public impact

Media analysts say the collaboration could influence how disability is covered in newsrooms, films and digital platforms across Africa.

By promoting accurate and respectful representation, the initiative may also help reduce stigma and improve access to opportunities for people with disabilities.

Advocates argue that inclusive storytelling can lead to broader social change, including better policies and increased visibility in public life.

What’s next

Both organisations plan to begin joint content production and training programmes in the coming months.

They say the long-term goal is to build a media ecosystem that recognises disability as a normal part of human diversity.

About the organisations

The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa focuses on disability rights, inclusive development and accessible digital ecosystems across Africa.

The Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment works globally to improve disability representation in film, television, journalism and digital media.