The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration with a visit to the Catholic Home of the Elderly of St Paul Catholic Church, Benin City to felicitate and present inmates with gift items.

The event was part of the association’s activities to commemorate this year’s celebration, themed “Give to Gain.”

Comrade Habiba Sam, Chairperson of Edo NAWOJ, who led the delegation of the EXCO and other members of the association on the visit, presented the gifts, including food items and toiletries to the inmates at the home.

Comrade Sam, in her remarks,expressed the association’s desire to show love and care to the elderly in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day.

According to her, “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, glading your hearts and making this day remarkable for us all.”

In her response, the caregiver, Mrs. Rose John, who spoke on behalf of the Director, Rev. Sister Gloria Ochei, expressed gratitude to the NAWOJ for the gesture

She thanked the women journalists for finding the home worthy to celebrate the International Women’s Day with and prayed for God’s abundance for the group.

Mrs. Rose John had appealed to the women journalists to use their various media platforms to raise awareness about the Home of the Elderly.

She said, “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 has been sponsoring their total welfare, including medical care and we are appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to assist with their care, just as we appreciate the items presented by the association which will surely bring joy and comfort to the residents,” Rose John declared.

In a display of gratitude, the eldest resident of the home,111-year old Mrs. Comfort Solomon, prayed for the group, blessing them for their kindness.

The Edo NAWOJ Chairperson however noted the appeal by Mrs. Rose John to use various media platforms to raise awareness about the Home of the Elderly which, she said, was noteworthy, adding, “it is a call to action for all to support this noble cause”.

She also said the event was a heartwarming display of compassion and kindness, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community.

The NAWOJ, Edo State Chapter, demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, embodying the spirit of the International Women’s Day’s theme, “Give to Gain”.