Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and leading communication and media organisations have paid glowing tributes to veteran broadcaster, Moji Makanjuola, as she clocked 70.

The milestone birthday, which coincides with the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW) hosted by the Kaduna State Government, added a symbolic dimension to the celebration of a figure widely regarded as a pioneer in strategic communication and health journalism.

In her goodwill message, the First Lady described Moji as a doyen of broadcasting, whose consistency, dedication, grace, and contributions continue to inspire professionals and women across the country. She prayed for many more years of good health, peace, joy, and prosperity.

Malagi, who hosted a brief birthday ceremony in Kaduna with members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the celebrant’s decades of impactful service in broadcast journalism and public relations, emphasising that her humility and dedication are exemplary.

NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, characterized the humanitarian and respected public health specialist—fondly known as “Aunty Moji”—as a thoroughbred professional and role model whose legacy continues to shape the communication industry.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the birthday coincidence with the NPRW underscores Moji’s enduring relevance in Nigeria’s communication ecosystem. Her career has promoted ethical journalism, amplified women’s voices, and made significant contributions to global health reporting, Maiyaki added.

Dr. Sule Yau Sule, Board Chairman of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), praised Moji for transforming journalism into a tool for public enlightenment and health advocacy. “From TV studios to the corridors of the United Nations, she has carried the banner of health journalism and advocacy with dignity, courage, and conviction,” he said.

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in a statement by National Chairperson Aishatu Zibrahim and Secretary Wasilah Ladan, called the celebrant a trailblazer and strong advocate for women’s advancement in journalism. They noted that her contributions as NAWOJ President remain a benchmark for professional excellence and mentorship.

Similarly, the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) described Moji as a distinctive voice in the media and development landscape. Its President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, said her career reflects professionalism, compassion, and purposeful service.

The Coordinator of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, applauded the renowned broadcaster for mentoring countless journalists, particularly women, and inspiring initiatives that empower young communicators.

The Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) defined her as a remarkable media icon whose work has shaped narratives, influenced policies, and strengthened communities. Moji’s is known within Nigeria and beyond for advancing development communication and setting enduring standards in broadcasting.

Born in Kwara State, she began her career as the first television announcer at the National Television Broadcast in Kwara before joining the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she rose to become the pioneer Head of the Health and Gender Desk. Moji led the Presentation and Reportorial Units between 1980 and 1985.

Her transition into health journalism was driven by personal tragedy. After losing her mother to undetected internal bleeding following a road accident in the 1980s, she committed herself to reporting health issues as a way of saving lives through public awareness.

After retiring from NTA, Moji founded the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), an NGO. A media consultant to UN Women, she served as NAWOJ President, authored “Health Journalism: A Journey with Moji Makanjuola,” and has produced several acclaimed documentaries.

In 2014, she was conferred with the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour by President Goodluck Jonathan. A prestigious journalism prize — the Moji Makanjuola Award of Excellence for Public Health Journalism — has been established in her honour.