As part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), former National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rotarian Evelyn Onyilo, has been honored with the Distinguished Service and Leadership Award in Abuja.
Presented by NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, the award celebrates Onyilo’s outstanding contributions to the advancement of women in journalism during her tenure as NAWOJ President from 2002 to 2004.
Evelyn Onyilo was recognized for her visionary leadership in a period marked by persistent gender disparities in the media industry. She championed inclusive policies, initiated national training programs for women journalists, and led advocacy efforts on media-related gender issues. Under her leadership, NAWOJ expanded its presence across the federation and strengthened its advocacy role at both national and international levels.
Notably, Onyilo also pushed for the legal recognition of NAWOJ and consistently advocated for press freedom, journalist safety, and the protection of women’s rights within and beyond the newsroom. Her tenure remains a defining period in the association’s history, credited with instilling professionalism, mentorship, and a spirit of solidarity among women journalists in Nigeria.
Beyond NAWOJ, Evelyn Onyilo went on to establish the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) in 2015, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting women’s participation in national development and fighting gender-based discrimination.
In a statement signed by Comrade Lydia Samson, National Coordinator of INWOAD, the organization praised the NUJ for honoring Onyilo, describing the award as a “well deserved tribute to a transformational leader whose impact continues to shape journalism and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.”
“This recognition is not only a celebration of past achievements,” the statement reads, “but a reaffirmation of the enduring legacy of a woman who laid the foundation for progress, equity, and institutional growth in Nigerian media.”
The NUJ @ 70 celebration serves as a timely reminder of the critical role women like Evelyn Onyilo have played, and continue to play, in redefining the media landscape and inspiring future generations.
