BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, on Thursday marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a charity visit and donation of relief materials to residents of the Catholic Home of the Elderly at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City.
The outreach formed part of the association’s activities to commemorate the global celebration themed “Give to Gain.”
Leading the delegation of executive members and other journalists, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Edo State, Comrade Habiba Sam, presented food items and toiletries to the elderly residents of the home.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Sam said the association decided to celebrate the day with the elderly to demonstrate love, compassion and appreciation for their lives and contributions to society.
“We are pleased to be in your presence to mark this year’s celebration with you, knowing that you are in your twilight years where you can hardly be seen. We hope our visit brings hope and good memories, gladdening your hearts and making this day remarkable for us all,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the Directress of the home, Rev. Sister Gloria Ochei, the caregiver, Mrs Rose John, expressed profound gratitude to the women journalists for the visit and their generous donation.
She commended the association for identifying with the elderly residents and prayed for God’s blessings upon the group.
In an emotional moment, the oldest resident of the home, Mrs Comfort Solomon, aged 111, offered prayers for the visiting journalists, thanking them for their kindness and generosity.
Earlier, Mrs John had appealed to the journalists to use their various media platforms to raise public awareness about the existence and needs of the home.
“I plead with you all to assist us in taking care of our aged mothers by letting the public know there is a home like this. The Archbishop of Benin is sponsoring their total welfare, including medical care. We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to assist with their care,” she said.
The items donated included foodstuffs and toiletries meant to improve the welfare and comfort of the elderly residents.
The visit highlighted the importance of compassion, community support and care for the aged, as the NAWOJ Edo State Chapter demonstrated its commitment to giving back to society while embodying the spirit of the International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.”
