NGIJ Celebrates Media Icon, Moji Makanjuola at 70, Hails Legacy of Public-Interest Journalism

NGIJ Celebrates Media Icon, Moji Makanjuola at 70, Hails Legacy of Public-Interest Journalism

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has congratulated renowned journalist, broadcaster, and public health advocate, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, MFR, on the occasion of her 70th birthday, describing her as a defining voice in Nigeria’s media and development landscape.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the President of the Guild, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, the Guild said Aunty Moji’s life and career represent a rare blend of professionalism, compassion, and purposeful service, noting that she has consistently demonstrated how journalism can be deployed as a tool for national development, social transformation, and public enlightenment.

NGIJ recalled her distinguished career at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she built a reputation for integrity and depth, particularly in health and gender reporting. The Guild noted that her work marked a turning point in Nigerian journalism, as she moved beyond conventional reporting to embrace advocacy-driven storytelling that informs, educates, and saves lives.

According to the Guild, Makanjuola is widely regarded as a pioneer of health journalism in Nigeria, having bridged the gap between expert knowledge and public understanding. Through her efforts, critical issues such as maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS awareness, and disease prevention gained national attention, contributing to behavioural change and policy influence.

The statement also highlighted her leadership role in the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), where she served as National President and championed the advancement of women in media, strengthened professional standards, and promoted gender-sensitive reporting across the country.

NGIJ further commended her visionary establishment of the International Society for Media in Public Health (ISMPH), describing it as a landmark platform that has trained journalists, driven impactful health communication campaigns, and bridged the gap between the media, policymakers, and development partners.

The Guild noted that beyond her professional accomplishments, Aunty Moji remains a mentor, mother figure, and philanthropist whose influence has shaped generations of journalists and inspired countless youths, women, and vulnerable groups, adding that her conferment with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) is a fitting recognition of her contributions.

While celebrating her at 70, NGIJ urged media practitioners to emulate her legacy of integrity, courage, and public-interest journalism, emphasizing that her life’s work continues to demonstrate that the true power of the media lies in its ability to inform, inspire, and transform society.