Minna
The first Secretariat of the Nigery Assocu of Women Journalists has been commissioned in Minna, Niger state.
The Wife of Niger State Governor, Dr Amina Abubakar Sani Bello commissioned the edifice in Minna, Niger state.
She challenged women journalists to be diligent in adhering to professional ethics and above all, ensure the promotion of the cause of female gender by being sensitive in their practice.
Duaglobalnews reports that the construction and donation by the Niger state government,was in through the states’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), office of the Governor, Niger state.
The governor’s wife also called on NAWOJ members to as partners in progress, leverage on their talents to advance the cause of dissemination of facts and proffer solution for the success of the Sustainable Development Goal 16.
She reminded NAWOJ members in the state that:“The SDG goal 16 seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedom for all among others.”
“As women in journalism profession, you are multi tasked and this calls for due diligence, adhering to professional ethics and above all, promotion of the cause of women in your practices.”
Bello, who expressed concern that women were often used for self destruction politically, called on them to resist being used as tools for pull him down syndrome but support one another, to prove that women journalists had value to add to the growth and development of the society.
“Women professionals in all spheres of life must support the womenfolk, particularly in politics. “This has become imperative as female participation, especially in politics, has been traditionally limited when compared to that of the men.”
The Governor’s wife also called on members of the association and other women groups to join hands in changing the trend.
“I am optimistic that with the support from government, there would be increased mutual relationship between the media and government agencies for prompt and balanced reportage of government activities,” she added.
The Governor’s wife further urged women journalists to always aspire for greater feats by taking” the opportunity provided by this new edifice and improved facilities to update and upgrade your knowledge and skills for enhanced delivery of your professional responsibilities.”
Earlier, the National President of NAWOJ, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowale, had commended Niger state government and the state leadership of NAWOJ for the state Secretariat, the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Omowale was represented at the occasion by the association’s Vice President, Zone ‘D’, Hajiya Jamila Abubakar.
The national president called on other state governments to emulate Niger state by providing a befitting secretariat for women journalists working in their respective states.
“We commend Niger state government for acknowledging and appreciating the partnership role female journalists play in the state and rewarding it with the edifice donated. I am calling on other governor’s in the zone to emulate Niger state Governor.”
The Director-General, SDG, Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, had also earlier called on members of the association to maintain the structure, assuring them of sustained partnership with women journalists in the state.
Also in her remark, Mrs Mary Berje, the outgoing Chairperson of NAWOJ in the state, louded the state government and SDG for the structure and assured that it would be put to proper use for the overall benefit of members.
