In a landmark event celebrating the achievements of women in journalism, Stella Din-Jacob has been named Nigeria’s most powerful woman in journalism for 2024.

The announcement was made at a prestigious ceremony attended by leading figures in the media industry.

Din-Jacob, a lawyer turned journalist, topped the list of twenty-five influential female journalists. She credited her success to the opportunity given by Channels Chairman John Momoh, which paved the way for her illustrious career. “My work ethic has remained the same since I started – early in and late out,” she said, expressing gratitude to her employers at TVC and Channels for their support.

“I am shocked. I can see that the next generation of good journalists has taken over, so I was shocked. This still comes to me. “I appreciate the organiser of this programme. This job is a way of life; it is not a profession. I want you to know that failure is not an option and impossible does not exist. “This is to encourage everyone. I became a mother two years ago, at age 54. I never studied journalism; I had a background in law, so anyone can achieve anything if they put their minds to it, Din-Jacob said.

The event also recognised twenty-four other women from various media platforms. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, CEO of WFM 91.7, secured the second position for her role in nurturing investigative journalism.

Okewale-Sonaiya reacted to recognition saying, “I am very humbled that the work I do through the women’s radio platform is being recognised year in, year out. I am grateful. I am looking forward to using the women’s radio platform and any other platform that I find myself to raise better, bigger journalists than myself. In the last three years, I have trained 62 female journalists in investigative journalism. That is my passion, and that is what I am going to be spending much of my time doing now.”

Kadaria Ahmed, CEO of RadioNow 95.3FM, was named the third most powerful woman in journalism for her relentless pursuit of truth, particularly on issues affecting women in Northern Nigeria.

Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, a prominent media personality with Channels Television known for her work as a host on Sunrise Daily and Hard Copy, was ranked fourth.

Azeezat Olaoluwa, Chiemelie Ezeobi, Tessy Ogomu, Amarachi Ubani, and Sharon Ijasan followed, securing the fifth to ninth positions, respectively. Siju Alabi, Doja Allen, and Morayo Afolabi-Brown rounded out the top twelve.

Other notable mentions included Channels TV‘s Amarachi Ubani, Stephanie Busari, Konye Nwabogor, Kikelomo Atanda, Ayo Mairo-Ese, Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, Neya Kalu, Nancy Iloh, Esther Omopariola, Kemi Ajumobi, Channels TV‘s Ini John-Mekwa, Veronica Dan-Ikpoyi, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, and Funke Fayemi.

The ceremony highlighted the challenges faced by women journalists in a male-dominated industry. Din-Jacob and other honourees shared insights on overcoming these obstacles, emphasising the importance of perseverance, dedication, and maintaining a high standard of work.

Dame Maiden Ibru, patron of WIJAFRICA and CEO of the Guardian newspapers, addressed the gathering. She described journalism as a “bug” that, once caught, never leaves. She encouraged women journalists to strive for excellence and uphold the truth. “Always fact-check so you never have to apologise,” she advised, urging them to maintain high standards and present themselves professionally.

The event underscored women’s significant contributions to journalism and their role in shaping public discourse. It also served as a platform for discussing the need for greater gender equality in the media industry.