In the bustling world of Nigerian journalism, where voices amplify truths and hold power to account, a shocking scandal has emerged that threatens to undermine the very integrity of those entrusted with the pen. The Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) finds itself embroiled in a crisis over the alleged diversion of ₦39 million donated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. This fund, intended to empower female journalists through an overseas training programme in Amsterdam, has instead sparked accusations of fraud, betrayal, and leadership manipulation. As details unfold, questions arise: How did a gesture of goodwill devolve into a bitter internal feud? And what does this mean for women in media within the oil-rich Niger Delta region?
This blog post delves deep into the allegations, drawing on verified reports from credible sources to paint a comprehensive picture. We’ll explore the background, the sequence of events, the key players, and the wider ramifications, all while maintaining a commitment to factual accuracy and balanced commentary. By the end, we’ll reflect on the lessons this scandal imparts for governance, journalism ethics, and accountability in Nigeria.
The Roots of NAWOJ and Its Role in Delta State
To understand the gravity of this crisis, it’s essential to first grasp what NAWOJ represents. Established as a wing of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), NAWOJ is dedicated to advancing the interests of female journalists across the country. In Delta State, a key player in the Niger Delta with its vibrant media landscape, the association serves as a platform for capacity-building, advocacy, and professional development. Amidst the region’s challenges—ranging from environmental degradation due to oil exploration to security concerns—female journalists often bear the brunt of underrepresentation and resource scarcity. Initiatives like overseas training programmes are seen as vital lifelines, offering exposure to global best practices and enhancing skills in investigative reporting, digital media, and ethical journalism.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who assumed office in 2023, has positioned himself as a champion of development in Delta. His administration’s “MORE Agenda” (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security) emphasises empowerment, including support for media professionals. It was against this backdrop that NAWOJ’s Delta chapter approached the governor in September 2025, seeking financial assistance for a capacity-building workshop in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The programme, initially pitched as a three-day event, aimed to equip selected members with advanced tools to better cover issues pertinent to the Niger Delta, such as oil spills, community conflicts, and women’s rights.
The Donation: A Well-Intentioned Gift Turns Sour
The story begins with optimism. According to multiple sources, the Delta NAWOJ chairperson, Sonia Ogugua Unobunjo—affiliated with Delta Rainbow Television (DRTV) in Warri—led a small group in drafting a funding request to the governor. Recognising potential delays, Unobunjo reportedly enlisted two female government house correspondents, who were not registered NAWOJ members, to leverage their proximity to Oborevwori and expedite the process. These correspondents, identified in some reports as Nneka Ozegbe and Ruth Ndudi Peters from national television stations, were brought in to front the initiative.
A government house staff member prepared a memo, using one of the correspondents’ names as the team leader. The governor, known for his support of media development, approved the sum of ₦39 million—equivalent to roughly £18,000 at current exchange rates—and the funds were promptly released. This amount was justified by framing the training as a one-month programme, a significant escalation from the original three-day plan, which critics argue was a deliberate misrepresentation to inflate the request.
What followed, however, was far from the intended empowerment. The selected participants, including original NAWOJ members like Mrs. Stella Macaulay and Mrs. Christy Ichofu, were allegedly sidelined. The list was revised to include the non-member correspondents and others such as Mariam Nweke. Yet, no one attended the Amsterdam training. Instead, the group reportedly went “underground,” creating the illusion of having travelled abroad while the funds vanished into private pockets.
The Allegations: A Web of Deceit and Division
At the heart of the scandal are claims of outright diversion. Anonymous executive members within NAWOJ have painted a damning picture: After securing the ₦39 million, the two correspondents withheld the bulk of the money, releasing only paltry sums—₦2 million to Unobunjo and ₦3 million to another member—while the rest of the group received nothing. One TV journalist even claimed the funds were “personally approved for her” by the governor, justifying her refusal to distribute them further.
An aggrieved member, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the act as “shameful,” lamenting that “the money was meant to empower female journalists in Delta State, but it was hijacked by a few individuals.” Another executive echoed this, stating: “After receiving the ₦39 million, the two female correspondents kept the funds and refused to release them… The training was never held, yet they claimed to have travelled abroad.”
The crisis extends beyond the funds. Unobunjo faces accusations of manipulating the association’s leadership election to secure a second term, allegedly preventing other members from purchasing nomination forms. This has fuelled perceptions of a power grab, exacerbating divisions within the chapter. A Delta State government official, also anonymous, confirmed the allegations, adding weight to the calls for scrutiny.
When contacted, Unobunjo denied any solicitation, asserting: “NAWOJ did not write any letter to the governor soliciting for funds.” She deferred further comment, citing her ongoing election: “Today is my election, and I won’t be able to discuss any issue now. Maybe after the election.”
Reactions and the Push for Accountability
The fallout has been swift and vocal. Aggrieved NAWOJ members have petitioned Governor Oborevwori, urging him to establish an investigative committee. Their plea underscores a demand for transparency: “We are appealing to the governor to please set up a committee to investigate this matter. Sonia is again being forced on us for a second tenure.”
This scandal has not only fractured internal trust but also drawn external scrutiny. In a region like the Niger Delta, where journalism plays a crucial role in exposing corruption and environmental injustices, such allegations erode public confidence. Commentators have noted the irony: an association meant to champion ethical reporting now stands accused of unethical conduct.
Broader Implications: Ethics, Governance, and Women’s Empowerment
This incident raises profound questions about governance and ethics in Nigeria. Governor Oborevwori’s donation, while generous, highlights vulnerabilities in how public funds are disbursed to non-governmental bodies. Without stringent oversight, well-meaning contributions can be exploited, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust. In Delta State, where oil revenues fund much of the budget, transparency in allocations is paramount to avoid perceptions of favouritism or waste.
For women in journalism, the scandal is particularly disheartening. NAWOJ’s mandate is to uplift female voices in a male-dominated field, yet this episode reveals internal barriers—exclusion, nepotism, and resource hoarding—that hinder progress. In the Niger Delta, female journalists often face additional risks, from harassment during field reporting to limited access to training. Diverting funds meant for their advancement not only stalls individual growth but also weakens collective advocacy on issues like gender-based violence and community development.
From a commentary perspective, this crisis exemplifies broader systemic issues in Nigerian civil society organisations. Leadership accountability is often lacking, with elections manipulated and funds mismanaged. As one anonymous member put it, the handling was “fraudulent and shameful,” pointing to a need for reforms such as mandatory audits for donated funds and inclusive decision-making processes. Substantiated reports suggest that if proven, this could lead to suspensions, legal actions, or even dissolution of the current leadership, setting a precedent for other associations.
Moreover, it underscores the role of independent media in self-policing. Outlets like The Guardian Nigeria, Sahara Reporters, and News Express have been instrumental in bringing these details to light, demonstrating journalism’s power to investigate its own. Yet, the reluctance of implicated parties to engage fully—evident in Unobunjo’s deferred response—fuels speculation and prolongs the damage.
A Call for Justice and Renewal
As the dust settles on this ₦39 million saga, the Delta NAWOJ chapter stands at a crossroads. Will it emerge stronger, with reformed leadership and transparent practices, or will it succumb to further division? Governor Oborevwori’s response will be telling; a thorough investigation could restore faith in his administration’s commitment to empowerment.
Ultimately, this scandal is a stark reminder that integrity is the bedrock of journalism. For the women of NAWOJ in Delta, reclaiming that integrity means demanding accountability from within. As Nigeria grapples with economic pressures and governance challenges, stories like this highlight the urgent need for ethical stewardship of resources. Let this be a catalyst for change, ensuring that future donations truly uplift those they are meant to serve.
In the Niger Delta’s narrative of resilience, may the voices of female journalists rise unhindered, turning scandal into a stepping stone for greater transparency and empowerment.
