Segun Babatunde Awofadeji, Bauchi
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) National Body is holding its first extended meeting of the central working committee since its inauguration in Bauchi State.
The meeting tagged “BAUCHI 2024” had CWC members comprising of National officers, Zonal officers and state chairpersons and secretaries of state chapters in attendance.
Declaring the meeting open Tuesday, the First Lady of Bauchi State, Dr Aisha Bala Mohammed welcomed all the officials and charged them to inspire new ideas and collaborations that will further strengthen the role of journalism in nation building, particularly in emancipating women and children who are the most vulnerable in our society today.
She commended their dedication and acknowledged the many challenges that journalists, particularly women journalists face in the course of discharging their work across the globe adding that journalists are sometimes subjected to threats, intimidation and even gender violence for simply doing their jobs.
According to her, “Through your stories, you inform, educate, and empower. In a country like ours, with its rich diversity and complex challenges the role of journalism in fostering unity, holding leadership accountable, and promoting development cannot be overstated.
“As a society, we must also ensure that journalists especially women are given the support, protection, and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully collective progress.”
She Further stated that NAWOJ has been a beacon of hope progress, and integrity, especially in times like this when the role of journalism is more critical than ever.
” On behalf of my amazing husband Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, I welcome you all to the Pearl of Tourism and equally appreciate NAWOJ for choosing Bauchi State as host ot this important gathering of journalists”, she stated
The First Lauded Journalists for being the gatekeepers of truth and women journalists, in particular, bring a unique perspective to nation- building.
For me and other serious-minded women the safety and security of journalists are non-negotiable and it is the duty of governments at all levels to protect those who risk their lives in the service of mankind and humanity.
She said her Foundation ‘Almuhibba Foundation’ is into women activities and engagements aimed at addressing noticeable challenges of vulnerable women and children, saying her Foundation is open to more collaborations that would yield positive results.
In her remarks, the National Chairperson NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, commended the first lady for her efforts in uplifting the lives of Women and children out of the shackles of poverty.
She said NAWOJ works in partnership with relevant stakeholders to train and retrain her members for effective reportage.
The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado welcomef the CWC members and appreciated the committee for giving Bauchi the honour to host the meeting.
He said NAWOJ provides a platform for women journalists to advocate women issues.
In her welcoming remarks, the chairperson Bauchi Chapter, Hajiya Rashida Yusuf appreciated the state government for her immense support to NAWOJ, expressed her gratitude to the first lady and the commissioner of Women Affairs for always being there for NAWOJ. END
