The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has endorsed its immediate past chairperson, Mrs Adeola Taibat Ekine, for the position of Deputy National Chairperson ahead of the association’s National Delegates Conference and Elections scheduled for Kano from November 23 to 25, 2026.
The endorsement was announced at the Lagos chapter’s congress on Saturday, October 17, following the presentation of Ekine’s nomination and expression-of-interest forms. The chapter cited her leadership experience, professional background and contributions to the welfare and career development of female journalists.
Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Falayi-Johnson, expressed confidence in Ekine’s ability to contribute to the association’s leadership at the national level.
“Mrs Adeola Taibat Ekine has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of women journalists,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She highlighted Ekine’s grassroots involvement, two-term tenure as chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos and engagement at the national level, describing her as an inclusive leader and advocate for women journalists.
The chapter said it expects her to bring strategic direction, renewed energy and a commitment to unity to the national executive if elected.
Record of service in NAWOJ Lagos
Ekine served two consecutive terms as chairperson of the Lagos chapter between 2019 and 2025. Her tenure included initiatives focused on journalists’ welfare, professional development and gender advocacy.
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| Chairperson NAWOJ Lagos Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Dr. Adeola Ekin during presentation of Nomination & Expression of Interest Forms at the Chapter's Congress on Saturday, 17th October, which held at the Secretariat in Iyalla, Alausa, Ikeja. |
One of the initiatives highlighted by the chapter was the establishment of a workplace creche to support working mothers and female journalists, including those seeking to balance childcare with their professional responsibilities. The initiative was also intended to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.
Her record in the chapter included capacity-building programmes and mentorship, with activities covering digital journalism, investigative reporting, professional ethics and skills development.
On gender and social advocacy, Ekine led campaigns addressing gender-based violence, child abuse and workplace discrimination. Her welfare interventions also included support for widows and vulnerable women journalists, community health outreach and collaboration with civil society organisations.
In March 2024, she represented the Lagos chapter at the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York.
Public affairs and professional background
Ekine currently heads the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Printing Corporation and also serves as an Information and Public Affairs Officer with the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy.
In October 2025, she was appointed Special Adviser to the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), a role that adds to her experience in media relations, public communication and union administration.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. She also obtained National Diploma and Higher National Diploma qualifications in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Her profile also lists an honorary doctorate from the Institute of Public Sector Professionals in the United Kingdom and membership of its governing council.
Priorities for the national office
As she seeks the position of Deputy National Chairperson, Ekine’s stated priorities include strengthening journalists’ welfare and safety, expanding professional development opportunities and improving institutional collaboration within NAWOJ.
Her agenda places emphasis on workplace safety, equal opportunities, protection against harassment and stronger advocacy against gender-based violence in media organisations.
She also proposes expanding mentorship and digital skills development for younger and emerging female journalists, while creating more pathways for women to assume leadership roles in the profession.
On institutional governance, her platform calls for transparent communication and closer collaboration among the national secretariat, zonal executives and state chapters.
The NAWOJ National Delegates Conference and Elections will hold in Kano from November 23 to 25, 2026, when delegates are expected to elect officers to lead the association at the national level.
The Lagos chapter’s endorsement positions its former chairperson as a candidate for the deputy national leadership role as the association prepares for the conference.
— Event Diary Lifestyle
