Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun East Independent Chapel, on Sunday joined family, friends, and distinguished Nigerians to celebrate a woman whose life has become synonymous with leadership, service, and grace—Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda, President of the Africa Regional Council of Women—on the occasion of her 70th birthday.
The Chapel delegation, led by Chairman Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, included the Vice Chairman, Charles Segun Adegbite; Secretary, Mrs. Funmi Adewoju Suleodu; Comrade Johnson Dairo; and Mr. Dauworthy Kayode Fathai. The team offered a strong and warm representation at the radiant ceremony held at The Innova Place, GRA Quarters, Sagamu—an event befitting a woman of Dr. Shoda’s towering influence.
Dr. Shoda, who is the Matron of the NUJ Ogun East Chapel, marked her platinum jubilee on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Her celebration—already hailed as one of the most remarkable social gatherings of the year—drew eminent personalities from across Nigeria. Attendance was strictly by invitation, a testament to both the prestige of the event and the high regard in which she is held.
The hall was filled with an array of dignitaries who came not just to honour a leader, but to celebrate a woman who has touched countless lives. Among them were former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, 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. Influential lawmakers, captains of industry, wives of former governors, and many other political and business heavyweights also graced the occasion.
Traditional rulers, led by the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, added regal colour to the ceremony. The Elepe of Epeland, HRH Oba Adewale Ajayi, and several other royal fathers came to pay homage to a woman they describe as “a bridge-builder across class, culture, and communities.”
The celebration, anchored by veteran broadcaster Yemi Sodimu, featured electrifying performances by Apala icon Musiliu Aruna Ishola. The joyous atmosphere reflected the profound admiration guests have for Dr. Shoda—an admiration earned through decades of service and unwavering commitment to women, youths, communities, and national development.
Born in 1955 in Kowa, Kaduna State, Dr. Shoda stands tall as an embodiment of resilience and purposeful leadership. Her journey—from business to education, advocacy, and global women’s leadership—has been marked by pioneering achievements. Married to a retired military officer and former Military Assistant to the late General Oladipo Diya, she built a career grounded in integrity, compassion, and excellence.
Her leadership path is distinguished. She rose from President of the Remo Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (RECCIMA) to President of the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce (OGCCIMA), where she championed business growth and youth entrepreneurship. As the first female Chairman of the Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, she spurred transformative developments in technical and vocational education. She later established Great Scholars International School, Sagamu, reflecting her passion for quality learning.
Nationally, Dr. Shoda left an indelible mark on the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS). As National Vice President (2012–2016) and later National President (2016–2022), she ushered in what many describe as the council’s most impactful era. From empowering widows and supporting girl-child education to expanding women’s political participation and funding WAEC fees for indigent young people, her tenure was defined by innovation, compassion, and measurable progress.
Her influence expanded beyond Nigerian borders when she was elected President of the Africa Regional Council of Women and later became the first Black African woman to serve on the Board of the International Council of Women (ICW), France. Her overwhelming re-election in 2025—securing over 90% of votes—speaks to her global respect. She also founded and continues to lead the African League of Women Voters (ALWOV), advancing women’s political visibility across the continent.
Dr. Shoda’s global recognition includes the African Women Leadership Award, ECOWAS International Leadership Award, Pan-African Servant Leadership Award, Ambassador of Peace Award, and the African Women Leader (World Peace Programme, 2024). She holds several chieftaincy titles, including Erelu of Yoruba in the FCT, Yeye Moye of Remoland, Yeye Apesin of Iperu-Remo, and Iyalode of Ibogun Kingdom. In 2022, she was honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Her investiture as Matron of NUJ Ogun East Independent Chapel in December 2024 further deepened her bond with the media community—a relationship she has nurtured with mutual respect and unwavering support.
At 70, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda stands as a shining symbol of wisdom, influence, and purposeful living. Her birthday celebration was not just a party—it was a gathering of lives she has touched, milestones she has shaped, and generations she continues to inspire.
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