JKA Aggey Foundation Commemorates International Women’s Day & World Kidney Day 2025 with NAWOJ Lagos

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the JKA Aggey Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, hosted a vibrant and impactful event to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) and World Kidney Day (WKD) at the Ladi Lawal Press Center in Ikeja, Lagos. The event, themed “For All Women and Girls: Right, Equality, Empowerment #AccelerateAction” for IWD and “Kidney Health for All” for WKD, featured a symposium, free medical care, and a cultural exhibition, drawing hundreds of attendees, including healthcare professionals, journalists, community leaders, and residents.

Symposium: Empowering Women, Advancing Health

The event kicked off with a thought-provoking symposium that brought together experts, advocates, and community members to discuss the intersection of gender equality and health equity, with a focus on kidney health. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Amina Balogun, a renowned nephrologist, who emphasized the importance of early detection and prevention of kidney disease, particularly among women who often face unique health challenges due to socio-economic factors. “Women are the backbone of our communities, yet their health needs, including kidney care, are often overlooked. Events like this shine a light on those gaps,” she noted.

Panel discussions, moderated by NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter Chairperson, Dr. Adeola Ekine, featured prominent voices such as Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Lagos State Branch. The panel explored strategies to accelerate action for women’s empowerment and equitable access to healthcare, aligning with the IWD 2025 theme. Topics included addressing gender disparities in healthcare access, raising awareness about kidney disease risk factors, and the role of investigative journalism in amplifying health and gender issues. The session resonated with attendees, sparking lively discussions on actionable solutions.

Free Medical Care: Prioritizing Kidney Health

A cornerstone of the event was the provision of free medical screenings, focusing on kidney health, in line with World Kidney Day’s mission to promote early detection and prevention. Over 300 attendees benefited from blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and kidney function screenings conducted by a team of volunteer doctors and nurses from LASUTH and MWAN. Those identified with potential health risks received counseling and referrals for further care.

Mrs. Oluseyi Kadiri, a representative of the JKA Aggey Foundation, underscored the foundation’s commitment to community health: “Our goal is to empower women and families by ensuring they have access to critical health services. Kidney disease is a silent killer, and early intervention can save lives.” The medical outreach also included the distribution of educational materials on kidney health, emphasizing hydration, healthy diets, and regular check-ups.

Cultural Exhibition: Celebrating Nigeria’s Diversity

The event was enriched with a colorful cultural exhibition that showcased Nigeria’s rich heritage, aligning with the spirit of unity and empowerment. Organized by NAWOJ members, the exhibition featured traditional attire, music, and dance performances from various ethnic groups in Lagos, including Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa communities. Artisans displayed handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and artworks, celebrating the contributions of women in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

A highlight was a performance by a local women’s dance troupe, whose energetic display of the Yoruba Bata dance captivated the audience. The exhibition also included a food stall offering traditional Nigerian delicacies, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. “This cultural display reminds us of the strength and resilience of Nigerian women, who are not only caregivers but also custodians of our traditions,” said Mrs. Ekine.

NAWOJ’s Role: Amplifying Voices Through Journalism

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Lagos State Chapter, played a pivotal role in organizing and publicizing the event, leveraging their platform to advocate for women’s rights and health awareness. NAWOJ members facilitated discussions, documented the event, and committed to ongoing coverage of health and gender issues. Their involvement underscored the power of journalism in driving social change, echoing themes from the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), which highlights the role of media in holding power to account and informing public discourse.

Community Impact and Future Commitments

The event concluded with a call to action from the JKA Aggey Foundation and NAWOJ, urging stakeholders to sustain efforts in promoting gender equality and kidney health. Attendees praised the initiative for its holistic approach, combining education, healthcare, and cultural celebration. “This is more than an event; it’s a movement to uplift women and prioritize their well-being,” said a participant, Mrs. Chidinma Okeke, a local businesswoman.

The JKA Aggey Foundation announced plans to expand similar initiatives across other states in Nigeria, while NAWOJ pledged to continue using journalism to advocate for health equity and women’s empowerment. The collaboration between these organizations set a powerful precedent for community-driven change, aligning with global goals for health and gender equality.

For more information on future events or to support the JKA Aggey Foundation’s initiatives, visit their official website at www.jkaaggeyfoundation.org