It was a moment of pride and celebration as the Women in Aviation International (WAI), Nigeria Chapter, honoured outstanding female journalists who have continued to shape conversations, spotlight achievements, and promote growth within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The prestigious recognition took place at the association’s 2025 Annual Conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, bringing together aviation regulators, industry stakeholders, and media professionals from across the country.
The event celebrated women who have used their platforms to enhance the visibility and reputation of the aviation sector through consistent and impactful reportage.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Rejoice Ndudinachi, President of WAI Nigeria, praised the honourees for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to promoting the aviation industry through storytelling that informs, educates, and inspires.
“The media has remained a powerful ally in driving the transformation of Nigeria’s aviation industry,” Ndudinachi said. “Through professional and inspiring reportage, journalists have brought the nation’s milestones to global attention.”
She added that the recognition was part of WAI Nigeria’s broader mission to empower women, encourage excellence, and strengthen collaboration between the media and the aviation sector.
Among the award recipients was Mrs. Nosa Aituamen of Radio Nigeria, who described the honour as a great source of encouragement for women in journalism. “This recognition encourages us to do more,” she said. “It will inspire other female journalists to explore aviation reporting and continue breaking new ground.”
Mrs. Pearl Ngwama, Publisher of JustNews Online, commended WAI Nigeria for shining the spotlight on women who contribute immensely to the aviation discourse. “Female journalists have played a significant role in shaping public understanding of aviation,” she noted. “We’ve been part of the effort to change perceptions and project Nigeria’s aviation achievements globally.”
Mrs. Olapeju Olubi of FactsEchoes Online expressed similar sentiments, saying: “This award is proof that our dedication is not going unnoticed. It encourages us to continue striving for excellence in aviation reporting.”
For Miss. Kemi Awe of Autoglobe Media Services, the recognition is both a motivation and a challenge to do more. “This recognition will inspire greater dedication and more innovative storytelling in aviation coverage,” she said. “It challenges us to keep improving and to continue projecting the best image of Nigeria’s aviation to the world.”
Also honoured, Mrs. Itohan Abara-Laserian of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between the media and the industry. “True progress comes when the industry sees the media not as critics, but as partners in development,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Joy Ogbebor, CEO of MamaJ TV, noted that appreciation like this strengthens the morale of journalists. “When journalists are appreciated, it fuels more commitment and passion for excellence,” she remarked.
Other distinguished awardees included Mrs. Henrietta Oke of Swift News, Mrs. Chinelo Obogo of The Sun Newspapers, Mrs. Sade Williams of Travelport Online, and Mrs. Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha of BusinessDay, among others.
Beyond the recognition of female journalists, WAI Nigeria also presented awards to key industry stakeholders for excellence in service and contribution to the sector.
Among those honoured were Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); and Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Institutional awards were also presented to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, for their support of aviation safety and innovation.
The conference featured vibrant cultural performances, exhibitions, and state chapter parades, adding colour to the historic gathering.
Representing the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, his envoy commended WAI Nigeria for “empowering women and recognising the unsung heroines behind Nigeria’s aviation story.”
The celebration, he said, reflected Ibadan’s heritage of honouring excellence and progress.
By celebrating the women shaping aviation narratives, WAI Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender inclusion, leadership, and professional excellence in the aviation industry.
Dr. Ndudinachi concluded that the organisation remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of female professionals who will not only fly higher in the skies but also tell the powerful stories of Nigeria’s aviation success.
“Our mission is to ensure that women are seen, heard, and celebrated both in the skies and in the stories that define our aviation industry,” she affirmed.
