Bauchi: The wife of the Governor of Bauchi State, Hajia Aisha Muhammed, on Tuesday pleaded with serious-minded women to support in advocating for the safety and security of journalists in the country.
Muhammed made the plea during the First Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the Nigerian Association of Women in Journalist (NAWOJ) in Bauchi.
She said that it was the duty of governments at all levels to protect those who risked their lives in the service of humanity.
Muhammed also highlighted and acknowledged many challenges faced by journalist, particularly women journalists, in the course of discharging their duties.
“They are sometimes subjected to threats, intimidation and even gender violence while discharging their duties.
“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 can not 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 for collective progress,”she said.
She said that NAWOJ had been a hope for progress, and integrity, especially in times like this when the role of journalism was more critical than ever.
“On behalf of my amazing husband, Sen. Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, I welcome you all to the Peal of Tourism.
“I equally appreciate NAWOJ for choosing Bauchi State as host for the first Central Working Committee of the new executive of the association,”Muhammed said.
She said that Journalists were the gatekeepers of truth, and women journalists, in particular, bring a unique perspective to nation- building.
The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, said that the CWC meeting was preparatory to the National Executive Council meeting and therefore, very crucial as an achievement of the executive.
“We as an executive have also introduced a new dimension by inviting the councils within the geopolitical zone to be part of us.
“The aim of this is to bridge the communication gap that often exists between the different organs of the Association.
“It also provides an Insight to our sisters in the leadership of the different chapters to some of the things we do at the CWC
It also helps in preparing them for higher leadership positions,” she said..
She said that NAWOJ was yet to have an office of its own after 34 years in existence.
“We are operating in a rented office apartment with an exorbitant rent which is becoming a huge financial burden on the Association.
” However the last administration was able to acquire a land for the association, and we are working hard to pay the premium on the land so as to begin work on building a secretariat for the association,” Ibrahim said.
She sought the support of governments, individuals and friends of NAWOJ in building a secretariat for the association.
Ibrahim said that the present executive had been able to host workshops and training programmes, especially those facilitated and sponsored by International partners.
“NAWOJ was also joined by other partners recently to sign a memorandum of understanding on gender equality and equity,”she said.
She said that the association participated in unveiling of the Nigerian Reputation Management Group by the NIPR which took place recently in Abuja.
She said that NAWOJ fed over 500 Nigerians during the last fasting exercise, and also fed over 6,000 residents of Brono state who were physically displayed as a result of recent flood in the state.
“As mothers, NAWOJ is worried about the rate of youth’s restiveness in the country, which has led to radical extremism.
“We, therefore, plan to hold an International conference on how female journalists can partner with other women to stir our youths from being security risks.
“However, prior to that, we hope to partner with corporate organisations and government to start the programme in the various zones in the country before taking it to the International level,” she said.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs Bauchi State, Hajia Zainab Babantanko, in her goodwill message, said that the state was collaborating with NAWOJ to enable women to me more recognised.
Babantanko said that there were nine women in the present adminstrion of Bauchi state, adding that it was made possible by the wife of the governor.
The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Usman Danturaki, advised all leaders to support NAWAOJ to eradicate gender inequality in the society.
He said the state governor had succeeded in making the state centre of peace, adding that the state would continue to support the media on capacity building to enable them achieve their objectives.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Host, Alhaji Mukhar Gidado, said that women in journalism, particularly in Nigeria, had often contended with multiple layers of challenges.
He listed such challenges to include gender bias and stereotypes to safety concerns and work-life balance.
“NAWOJ, through iits platform, has empowered women in the profession to rise above theses challenges.
“The Association has become a beacon of hope and symbols of resilience for women across the nation who aspire to contribute to nation building through journalism,”Gidado said.
Zonal Chairman NAWOJ, Zone E, Mrs Docas Philemon, said that girls kidnapping had been rampart in our society and, therefore, urged all hands to be on deck in ensuring safety of girls child.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson NAWOJ, Bauchi State, Hajia Rasheedah Yusuf, commended the support of the First Lady of Bauchi Hajia Aisha Muhammed and Commissioner of Information , Comrade Usman Danturaki, for their support.
Yusuf prayed for fruitful celebration and appreciate members who travels from all part of the country to participate in the CWC meeting in Bauchi.
