Nigerian Journalism Loses Trailblazer As Dr. Ngozi Anyaegbunam Passes Away At 67

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Nigerian journalism community mourns the passing of Dr. Ngozi Anyaegbunam, a pioneering female journalist who left an indelible mark on the media landscape.

Dr. Anyaegbunam, who was 67, died after a brief illness, according to a statement released by her son, Rocky C. Agbese.

Dr. Anyaegbunam was a woman of many talents, excelling as a lecturer, journalist, media consultant, strategist, and author.

Her career spanned decades, witnessing her rise from the pages of the Champion Newspaper, where she became the first female editor, to the editorial board of The Daily Times.

She was a trailblazer in many ways, breaking barriers in the male-dominated field of journalism.

She was the first female print media journalist to interview two sitting Presidents of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari.

Beyond her journalistic accomplishments, Dr. Anyaegbunam was a respected media consultant, working with numerous blue-chip companies.

She was also a dedicated lecturer in the Department of English and General Studies at the University of Calabar, rising to Head of Department in 1986.

Her contributions to the media industry and her advocacy for women in journalism were widely recognized.

She received numerous awards, including a Certificate of Recognition from the Daily Times newspaper in 1992 and the Award of Excellence from the National Council of Women Societies in 1994.

She was also a recipient of the prestigious Nigeria National Media Merit Award.

Dr. Anyaegbunam was also a published author, with works like “The Feminist Tendency in Jagua Nona’s Daughter” and “The Essential Ekwensi” to her credit.

Her passing is a significant loss to the Nigerian media community and beyond. Her legacy as a pioneering journalist, a dedicated educator, and a compassionate human being will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.