From Our Correspondent
The wife of the Governor of Bauchi State, Hajia Aisha Muhammed, has advocated for Nigerian journalists’ safety and security in the discharge of their duties.
Muhammed made the plea at the opening of the First Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the Nigerian Association of Women in Journalists (NAWOJ), on Tuesday, in Bauchi.
TheNewsZenith reports that the governor’s wife acknowledged many challenges facing journalists, particularly, women journalists in the discharge of their duties.
She said that it was the duty of governments at all levels to protect those who risked their lives in the service of humanity.
“They are sometimes subjected to life 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 cannot be overstated,” TheNewsZenith quotes her as saying.
According to her, the Constitution of the Nigeria, allows journalist to hold leadership accountable and promote development.
“As a society, we must also ensure that journalists, especially women, are given the support, protection and opportunities to contribute meaningfully for collective progress,” she said.
Muhammed 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.
Earlier, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, said that the CWC meeting was preparatory to the National Executive Council meeting.
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Ibrahim, therefore, said the Central Working Committee (CWC) is 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.
NAWOJ chairperson lamented that for 34 years of its existence, the association has not owned an office building.
“We are operating in a rented office apartment with an exorbitant rent. This has becoming a huge financial burden on the association.
“However, the last administration acquired a landed property to build a scretariat. We are still working hard to pay the premium on the land,” TheNewsZenith quotes Ibrahim as saying.
She, therefore, sought the support of governments, individuals and friends of NAWOJ in building a secretariat for the association.
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