NGIJ Celebrates Moji Makanjuola At 70, Applauds Legacy in Public-Interest Journalism
By ROTAMediaNews Desk
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has congratulated veteran journalist, broadcaster, and public health advocate, Moji Makanjuola, on her 70th birthday, describing her as a towering figure in Nigeria’s media and development landscape.
In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by its President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, the Guild praised Makanjuola’s career as a remarkable blend of professionalism, compassion, and service, noting her consistent use of journalism as a tool for national development, social transformation, and public enlightenment.
NGIJ highlighted her impactful years at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she earned widespread respect for her depth and integrity, particularly in health and gender reporting. According to the Guild, her approach marked a shift from conventional reporting to advocacy-driven journalism that not only informs but also drives meaningful societal change.
The Guild described Makanjuola as a pioneer of health journalism in Nigeria, credited with bridging the gap between technical medical knowledge and public understanding. Her work, it noted, brought critical issues such as maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS awareness, and disease prevention into national discourse, influencing both public behaviour and policy direction.
NGIJ also commended her leadership of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), where she served as National President and advanced the cause of women in the media, strengthened professional standards, and promoted gender-sensitive reporting nationwide.
The Guild further acknowledged her role as founder of the International Society for Media in Public Health (ISMPH), describing it as a transformative platform that has trained journalists, enhanced health communication, and fostered collaboration between the media, policymakers, and development partners.
Beyond her professional achievements, NGIJ noted that Makanjuola remains a respected mentor and philanthropist whose influence continues to shape generations of journalists and inspire women, youths, and vulnerable groups across the country. It added that her national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) aptly reflects her enduring contributions.
As she marks her 70th birthday, the Guild urged media practitioners to emulate her values of integrity, courage, and dedication to public-interest journalism, emphasizing that her legacy underscores the media’s vital role in informing, inspiring, and transforming society.
