By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
There are few individuals whose lives resonate with the kind of impact that extends far beyond their years. Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, affectionately known as Aunty Moji, is one of those rare souls. Today, as we mark her 70th birthday, we are not merely celebrating a milestone of age, but a life that has continuously redefined the intersection of journalism, public health advocacy, and social transformation in Nigeria and beyond.
In the story of Nigeria’s development, certain individuals stand out not merely for what they achieved, but for how they redefined the possibilities within their fields.
Aunty Moji’s journey is one of such distinction. Her life’s work unfolded at the intersection of journalism, public health, and social change. At a time when media practice in Nigeria was largely confined to simply reporting events, she envisioned a more engaged role—one in which communication became an instrument for saving lives, shaping policies, and influencing public behaviour. Her work transcended the boundaries of traditional journalism.
Aunty Moji created a vision where the media was not just a tool for broadcasting stories but a mechanism for development and advocacy. This vision has not only shaped her career but has also laid the foundation for a new kind of journalism in Nigeria—one that sees the audience as active participants in societal development, not just passive consumers of information.
Aunty Moji’s professional journey began at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the nation’s foremost television network, where she recognized early the power of media narratives in shaping national consciousness. Her work at NTA wasn’t just about building a career; it was about building a philosophy of journalism that prioritizes depth, integrity, and the public good.
At NTA, she was not content with episodic or superficial reporting. Instead, she adopted a sustained and thematic approach, particularly in health and gender reporting. Her groundbreaking work amplified the voices of marginalized communities, providing the public with vital information and insights on critical issues such as maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and child welfare.
This marked the emergence of Aunty Moji as a journalist who would go on to redefine the role of the media in the fight for public health and social justice.
As her career progressed, Aunty Moji recognized a significant gap between expert knowledge and public understanding—especially in the area of public health. While diseases were being treated, policies were being implemented, and programs were being funded, the public remained often uninformed or misinformed.
Her work evolved into what would later be recognized as development journalism—a form of journalism that goes beyond merely reporting facts to actively contributing to social progress. She simplified complex health information for public understanding, elevated critical issues such as maternal mortality, and used storytelling to encourage behavioural changes that would positively impact society.
By bridging the gap between experts and the general public, Aunty Moji not only informed the public but also empowered them to take charge of their health and well-being. Her commitment to social good through journalism was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape into one that values public service over sensationalism.
One of the defining chapters of Aunty Moji’s career came with her leadership within the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). As National President, Aunty Moji spearheaded efforts to empower female journalists, advocating for gender-sensitive reporting, leadership opportunities, and professional excellence among women in the media.
Under her stewardship, NAWOJ grew into a more assertive voice in national discourse, advocating not just for media reforms but for broader issues related to women’s rights and social justice. Her tenure demonstrated that leadership in journalism could extend beyond newsroom management into the heart of societal transformation.
Aunty Moji’s leadership legacy continues to inspire generations of female journalists, many of whom now carry the torch she lit for women in the media.
The pinnacle of Aunty Moji’s vision came with the establishment of the International Society for Media in Public Health (ISMPH). This organization was founded on a simple but powerful idea: If communication gaps contribute to poor health outcomes, then strategic media engagement can save lives.
Through ISMPH, Aunty Moji institutionalized her belief that the media can be a partner in public health. The organization became a critical platform for training journalists on health reporting, designing media campaigns for health interventions, and bridging the gap between health experts and the public.
ISMPH’s work has spanned crucial areas such as maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS awareness, malaria prevention, and nutrition advocacy. By collaborating with journalists, policymakers, and development partners, ISMPH has reshaped how health issues are communicated in Nigeria and beyond, making public health a priority on national and international agendas.
Aunty Moji’s work did not remain confined within national borders. Her expertise in media and public health positioned her as a valuable contributor to global development efforts. Her engagements with institutions such as UN Women and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reflect her global reach and influence.
Through these international platforms, she contributed to: International advocacy campaigns, knowledge exchange on health communication
Her ability to translate local realities into globally relevant insights underscores the broader impact of her work.
In Nigeria, Aunty Moji has consistently used her voice to advocate for better policies, particularly in health. Her collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has highlighted the need for greater public awareness of health insurance schemes, greater citizen engagement with health policies, and stronger accountability in health systems.
She has also worked on broader advocacy issues related to gender legislation and social protection, reinforcing her role as a bridge between civil society and the government. Aunty Moji’s policy advocacy efforts have had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development trajectory.
In addition to her advocacy work, Aunty Moji is also an accomplished entrepreneur. As the Chief Executive Officer of Bronz and Onyx International Limited, she has extended her influence into the private sector, providing strategic communication services, media consultancy for development programs, and behaviour change communication strategies. This entrepreneurial dimension reflects her versatility and her understanding that sustainable impact often requires engagement across multiple sectors.
In recognition of her immense contributions to journalism, public health, and social advocacy, Aunty Moji was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). This prestigious award is a national acknowledgment of her role in advancing journalism, promoting public health, and strengthening social advocacy in Nigeria.
Aunty Moji’s legacy is best understood not by the titles she holds or the positions she’s occupied but by the systems she’s changed and the lives she’s influenced. Through her work, she has demonstrated that media is a tool for development, that advocacy can be informed by professionalism and evidence, and that leadership can bridge sectors and disciplines.
Her work has inspired a generation of journalists to embrace a broader vision of their role—one that includes responsibility for societal outcomes.
In a world where information flows faster than ever, but understanding often lags behind, Aunty Moji’s work remains profoundly relevant. Her voice—calm, informed, and resolute—continues to echo across the fields she has shaped: journalism, public health, and social advocacy. And in that echo lies her enduring legacy.
As we celebrate her 70th birthday, we are reminded that Aunty Moji Makanjuola’s work is far from done. She continues to inspire, lead, and serve, reminding us all that the true power of media lies in its ability to drive change for the greater good.
Happy 70th Birthday, Aunty MoMoji
Nigeria celebrates you. The world honours you. And history will forever remember you.
Aliagan is an Abuja-based Journalist, he is the National President of Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) and w
