LAGOS NAWOJ Chairperson, Dr. ADEOLA EKINE
Dr. Adeola Ekine is the Chairperson of The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalist ( NAWOJ). The Lagos State Chapter is the most populous that has the highest number of female Journalist in Nigeria both in the public and Private sectors and it takes not a mean woman to direct the affairs but a very strong and Passionate individual which she represent with full Confidence and strong energy.
She is also the Head, Public Affairs Units, Lagos State Printing Corporation, the agency that is saddled with the responsibility of all general printing across Lagos State government parastaltals and Ministries. She holds important positions within the Media Professional sector. Within her lies the power to create, nurture and transform the women agenda. Her Contributions to the growth of NAWOJ Lagos Chapter has been so enormous through various trainings amongst its members and cannot be overemphasized.
In this interview with City People’s Editor, FAKEYE ADERONKE, “ My Chair” as she’s fondly called opened up on what government can do to prioritize the needs and right of all women as we celebrate the International Women’s day.
How do you juggle your role as a Journalist, Public Relations specialist with Lagos Printing Corp and been Chairperson of an Association that brings women together in Lagos state.?
As the Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos State Chapter, juggling multiple roles as a journalist, a Public Relations specialist with the Lagos Printing Corporation, and leading an association that brings women together in Lagos State requires effective time management, strong organizational skills, and a deep commitment to the causes I serve.
I prioritize my responsibilities within NAWOJ as they align with my passion for advocating for gender equality in the media industry.
My role as a journalist and Public Affairs specialist demands flexibility and adaptability. I carefully manage my work schedule to accommodate assignments and deadlines, while ensuring that I fulfill my obligations to NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter.
I also seek opportunities to integrate my professional expertise and experiences across my various roles. For example, I may leverage my PR skills to effectively communicate NAWOJ’s initiatives and events to the media and enhance the visibility and impact of the association by collaborating with other organisations.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining productivity and well-being so I prioritize self-care, time for personal interests, and quality time with family and friends to recharge and rejuvenate, enabling me to bring my best self to all my roles and responsibilities.
Juggling multiple roles as a journalist, Public Affairs specialist, and Chairperson of the most populous State Chapter in Nigeria is challenging but i approach the role with dedication, focus, and a commitment to making a positive impact in advancing gender equality and empowering women in Lagos State.
To Commemorate the International Women’s day Coming Up, how will you describe Nigerian Women of today in the Context of the Struggle in order to make ends meet?
As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s essential to reflect on the remarkable resilience and strength of Nigerian women in the face of numerous challenges. Nigerian women of today are a testament to the tenacity and determination required to make ends meet in the midst of various socio-economic obstacles.
In the context of the struggle to make ends meet, Nigerian women demonstrate unparalleled resilience as they navigate a complex web of responsibilities, including providing for their families, pursuing education and careers, and actively participating in community development.
Despite facing systemic barriers such as gender inequality, limited access to education, employment opportunities, and cultural norms that often prioritize the roles of women as caregivers and homemakers, Nigerian women continue to defy the odds and excel in various fields.
Many Nigerian women are the breadwinners of their families, engaging in diverse economic activities ranging from small-scale entrepreneurship to formal employment in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and the informal economy. Their unwavering commitment to securing a better future for themselves and their families drives them to overcome adversity and pursue opportunities for economic empowerment.
In the face of challenges such as poverty, lack of access to financial resources, and societal expectations, Nigerian women exhibit remarkable resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness in finding innovative solutions to make ends meet. They leverage their skills, talents, and networks to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the economic growth and development of their communities.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the resilience, strength, and ingenuity of Nigerian women in their relentless pursuit of economic empowerment and gender equality. Let us amplify their voices, support their aspirations, and work collectively to create a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and make ends meet on her own terms.
Take us into your Educational background?
I attended Abeokuta Girls Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta from 1986 – 1993, i proceeded to Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta for my National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from 1995 – 2001. I had my Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), from 2012 – 2015, Bachelor in Science, Mass Communication from University of Lagos, 2017 – 2019 and got an Honorary Doctoral Fellowship Award Certificate from Institute of Public Sector Management (IPSM) United Kingdom in March 2023. I started my work experience as a trainee in Advertising and Public Relation with MC & A Advertising Agency, SO&U Saachi & Saachi and Absolute PR Limited before joining the service of Lagos State Government in December, 2005. I served diligently as Public Affairs Officer in the Information Unit of Ministry of Housing, Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Civil Service Commission, Economic Planning & Budget, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and presently the Head the Public Affairs Unit of Lagos State Printing Corporation.
I had the rare privilege of disseminating information through globally acceptable standards, engage with other stakeholders in Lagos State, ensuring feedbacks that guides Government in decision making. I worked with senior government officials while engaging with International Development Partners on issues like housing, population and Lagos residents registration, as it affects development and planning.
I have attended professional trainings both locally and internationally, I am a trained journalist, I was the former Vice Chairman and Secretary of Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Information Chapel and presently the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos State Chapter, second term running. As the Chairperson, NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter we have become more visible, NAWOJIANS in Lagos State have benefited from both local and international trainings and empowerment and NAWOJ daycare which was first of its kind in the history of NAWOJ in Nigeria was initiated.
I am a member of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Institute of Public Sector Management (IPSM) UK.
