Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun East Independent Chapel, on Sunday joined family, friends, associates, and eminent Nigerians to celebrate the 70th birthday of the President of the Africa Regional Council of Women, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda.
Led by the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, the Vice Chairman, Charles Segun Adegbite, the Secretary, Mrs. Funmi Adewoju Suleodu, Comrade Johnson Dairo, and Mr. Dauworth Kayode Fathai, the team gave the chapel a strong representation at the colourful celebration held at The Innova Place, Obafemi Awolowo Avenue, GRA Quarters, Sagamu.
Dr. Shoda, who is also the matron of the NUJ Ogun East Chapel, turned 70 on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The platinum jubilee celebration—already described as the talk of the town—attracted numerous groups and distinguished personalities across Nigeria, with strictly limited invitations issued to selected representatives.
Among the dignitaries present were the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola; former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Gbenga Daniel; former Senator Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello; and Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Also in attendance were notable lawmakers including Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Hon. Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji, who represents the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency. Wives of former governors and other political heavyweights were also present.
Royal fathers who graced the event included the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi; the Elepe of Epeland, HRH Oba Adewale Ajayi; and several other traditional rulers.
Captains of industry, members of various Chambers of Commerce where Dr. Shoda previously served—including as Ogun State Chairman—leaders of academic institutions where she once chaired governing councils, professional bodies, trade unions, women’s groups, and grassroots associations also honoured her.
The ceremony, anchored by renowned broadcaster Mr. Yemi Sodimu, featured thrilling performances from Apala music maestro, Musiliu Aruna Ishola. The event commenced shortly after the church service, under tight yet courteous security arrangements that ensured a smooth and successful celebration.
Born in Kowa, Kaduna State, in 1955, Dr. Shoda is a woman of exceptional versatility. Married to a retired military officer and former Military Assistant to the late General Oladipo Diya, she built a distinguished career in business, education, advocacy, and community development.
She rose from serving as President of the Remo Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (RECCIMA) to becoming President of the Ogun Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGCCIMA). She later became the first female Chairman of the Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, where she made impactful contributions to technical and vocational education in Ogun State.
Her passion for learning also led to the establishment of Great Scholars International School, Sagamu.
Nationally, Dr. Shoda played pivotal roles in the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Nigeria’s foremost women’s organization. She served as National Vice President (2012–2016) and later as National President (2016–2022), a period widely regarded as one of the most transformative in the council’s history.
Her administration championed women’s economic empowerment, widows’ welfare, girl-child education, maternal health, political inclusion of women, youth mentorship, and community development. Under her leadership, NCWS supported thousands of widows, empowered small-scale women entrepreneurs, and funded WAEC fees for indigent students nationwide.
Dr. Shoda’s influence expanded to the continental and global stage when she was elected President of the Africa Regional Council of Women (ARCW) and became the first and only Black African woman elected to the Board of the International Council of Women (ICW), France. She was overwhelmingly re-elected to the ICW Board in 2025 with over 90% support.
In 2021, she founded the African League of Women Voters (ALWOV), which she continues to lead as President & Founder.
Her work at ICW has amplified African women’s voices in global policy discussions, particularly in gender rights, peace-building, and sustainable development.
Dr. Shoda has received numerous awards locally and internationally. Her chieftaincy titles include: Erelu of Yoruba in the FCT (Abuja), Yeye Moye of Remoland, Yeye Apesin of Iperu-Remo, and Iyalode of Ibogun Kingdom, among others. She was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.
At the global level, she has received several distinguished recognitions including the African Women Leadership Award, ECOWAS International Leadership Award, Pan-African Servant Leadership Award, Ambassador of Peace, and African Women Leader (World Peace Programme, 2024).
Dr. Shoda became the Patroness of the NUJ Ogun East Independent Chapel about a year ago and was formally invested during the Chapel’s inauguration ceremony in Ijebu-Ode in December 2024.
