By Chinwendu Agoha (Media & Governance Correspondent)
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Lady Ejiro Umukoro, President and Publisher of LightRay Media, Books and Creative Society, and pioneer General Manager of MEGA 89.1FM, Warri, on the occasion of her 50th birthday.
Also, the Board and Management of Nigerian NewsLeader Media Group felicitates with Umukoro on her milestone birthday, describing her as one of the foremost voices in media and literary circles in defence of the the under priviledged, women, Africans and humanity in general.
ANA in a statement by its National President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and Acting General Secretary, Wole Adedoyin,
acknowledged her contributions to investigative journalism, broadcasting, literature, and social advocacy.
The Association noted that Umukoro, popularly known as Lady E, has built a career distinguished by investigative reporting, media entrepreneurship, and literary advocacy.
A multi-award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and social entrepreneur, Umukoro pioneered MEGA 89.1FM, Warri, the Niger Delta’s first investigative-driven radio station. Her honours include the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) ChangeMaker Award, the WanaData MVP Award (2018), and the British Council International Communications Entrepreneur (IYXE) Award, through which she represented Nigeria at the global awards in the United Kingdom. She was also a fellow of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Female Reporters Leadership Programme and received a nomination for the ICFJ Knights Award.
Her investigative journalism has addressed critical public-interest issues, including sexual and gender-based violence and the challenges faced by children during COVID-19 lockdowns. These issues featured in Outbreak: Africa’s Data Journalism Alliance Against COVID-19, a long-form reporting series examining Nigeria’s shadow pandemic. Her work has attracted attention from national and international media organisations, including BBC London.
In literature, Umukoro is the author of Distortion, her debut mental health and socio-cultural fiction novel, which has been approved and adopted as a literature textbook for Senior Secondary School students (SS1–3) in Delta State. She also partnered with ANA to establish the ANA/Lady Ejiro Umukoro Emerging Poet Award, an initiative designed to encourage emerging Nigerian poets and nurture young literary talent.
Beyond journalism and literature, Umukoro advocates gender equality and public health. She has mentored journalists through the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and MacArthur Foundation capacity-building programmes, contributing to professional development and efforts to strengthen investigative journalism in Nigeria. Her work also promotes accountability, mental health awareness, and social transformation.
As she marks her 50th birthday, the Association of Nigerian Authors wishes Lady Ejiro Umukoro good health, personal fulfilment, and continued success in her professional and literary endeavours. ANA also recognises her contribution to the development of Nigerian literature, particularly her support for emerging poets, and expresses confidence that her work will continue to create opportunities for writers and media professionals.
The Nigerian NewsLeader newspaper in a message on Thursday by its Publisher/Editor-in-chief, Mr Celestine Okafor, congratulated Lady Umukoro, describing her as a formidable voice in the Nigerian media landscape, and one whose career has been defined by courage, intellectual depth, and a relentless pursuit of truth.
"Lady Ejiro Umukoro is not just a journalist; she is a torchbearer for a generation of investigative reporters who understand that the pen must be used to challenge the status quo and protect the vulnerable," the Newsleader helmsman stated, adding that. "Her dedication to uncovering hidden truths and her commitment to gender advocacy have left an indelible mark on our society."
He further lauded her literary contributions, noting that her foray into writing and publishing demonstrates a rare versatility that bridges the gap between hard-nosed reportage and creative storytelling.
"Reaching the golden age of 50 is a significant milestone. It is a testament to her resilience and enduring impact. On behalf of the board, management and staff of Nigerian NewsLeader, Media Group we celebrate a quintessential professional and wish her continued strength, wisdom, and success in her future endeavors," he added.
Lady Umukoro, has spent decades in the trenches of Nigerian journalism, earning accolades for her investigative series through her media platform, LightRay Media on human rights abuses and orruption. Through LightRay Media Online, she continues to provide a platform for marginalized voices and critical analysis of national issues.
The 50th birthday celebration of Lady Ejiro Umukoro is an event for honoring a distinguished African woman and formidable writer who has dedicated her life to the service of truth and humanity. NNL.