Voice of Nigeria (VON) has honoured Hauwa Abubakar-Ajeje, Director of Programmes (Languages), with a colourful send-forth ceremony marking the end of her 35 years of distinguished service in public broadcasting.
Family members, colleagues, friends and media stakeholders gathered to celebrate a career widely described as transformational for multilingual broadcasting in Nigeria’s international radio service.
Tributes highlighted her professionalism, inclusive leadership style and enduring impact on mentoring journalists across VON’s language services.
Colleagues described Abubakar-Ajeje as “a mentor, bridge-builder and trailblazer” who consistently upheld editorial standards while nurturing younger broadcasters and strengthening VON’s global voice.
Speaking at the event, VON Director-General, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, emphasized the universal values that underpin credible public broadcasting.
He stressed the need for “unity, discipline and dedication to national service,” noting that “commitment and integrity ultimately pay off.”
He urged staff to embrace teamwork and institutional loyalty, while encouraging retirees to remain active contributors to national development beyond formal service.
The Director-General also underscored mentorship as critical, saying the transfer of knowledge from experienced professionals to younger journalists is essential for sustaining excellence in public broadcasting.
Delivering a special lecture, Professor Tunde Akanni, Professor of Journalism and Communication at Lagos State University, challenged journalists to adapt to emerging trends, embrace multimedia storytelling and leverage digital platforms to remain “relevant, credible and competitive in a rapidly evolving global media landscape.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, praised Abubakar-Ajeje as the first female Director of the Programmes (Languages) Department at VON, describing her as a symbol of resilience and professional excellence.
She encouraged journalists especially women to emulate her work ethic, leadership and commitment to breaking barriers in the media industry.
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a celebratory cake amid music and goodwill messages, as guests paid tribute to a career defined by dedicated service, exemplary leadership and a lasting legacy.