Amaka Amaka
NAWOJ NEC Urges Action on Hardship, Migration, Violence
In a communique released by its National Executive Council (NEC), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for decisive action to tackle pressing issues of economic hardship, youth migration, and violence that continue to afflict Nigerians.
NAWOJ NEC in a meeting held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano State on Thursday,12th December, 2024 specifically urged relevant authorities to take steps to alleviate the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, which includes high inflation, food price increases, and limited job opportunities. The communique also emphasizes the need for action to address youth migration, which has resulted in the loss of skilled workers and brain drain from the country.
The communique was signed by two members of the Communique Drafting Committee, Adeola Ekine, Chairperson, and Hannatu Mohammed, Secretary.
“1. NEC in session, presided over by Comrade Aisha Ibrahim Bura, National Chairperson, was unanimous in its agreement that the National, Zones and States of NAWOJ nationwide have made tremendous and commendable inputs in their Gender-based Advocacies, Empowerment of Women and the Girl-child and supports to the growth of family institutions across board, and tasked themselves on perseverance in the face of the harsh economic realities.
- NEC members were also unanimous in their decisions to remain committed to the ideals of journalism practice and to diligently remain resolute in upholding the tenets and ethics of the practice, including the tenets of fair hearing, balance, objectivity and equitability in their reportage.
- NEC commended the efforts of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in supporting the families of female students of the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, and called for sustenance of the initiative which supports female education nationwide.
- NEC applauded the agricultural programme of the wife of the Executive Governor and First Lady of Kano State for supporting farmers with inputs and starter packs, and urged her to continue in the laudable initiative.
- NEC considered the deplorable state of roads across Nigeria and expressed deep concerns about high rate of casualties recorded in fatal road mishaps and called on Government at all tiers to prioritize the repair and maintenance of roads to ensure the safety of commuters.
- NEC decried the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence in the country, describing it as alarming, and urged Government at all tiers, traditional institutions and leaders of religious organizations to take decisive action to combat this menace.
- NEC made an indepth appraisal of the increase in the number of out of school children and stated it is unacceptable. It therefore called on the government to address the root causes of the scourge, including the economic hardship that currently besets Nigerians.
- NEC agreed that the high inflation and rising cost of food prices have made it difficult for families to afford basic necessities of life, and therefore called for urgent measures, and policy redirection to stabilize the economy and reduce the economic burden on the populace.
- NEC in session emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups to prevent sudden deaths, and urged individuals, families, organizations, and the Government to prioritize health screenings and improvement in Healthcare delivery.
- NEC addressed the youth migration phenomenon, known as the “Japa Syndrome,” and described it as a bane of national cohesion, development and stability. It therefore called for measures to create opportunities for Nigerian youth to thrive within the country through job creation and opportunities for self actualization and creation of the enabling environment for ease of doing business and growth of industry.
- The National Executive Council reaffirmed the commitment of all zones to host NAWOJ meetings and support the national Secretariat’s drive to infuse a sense of camaraderie, peace, unity and progress of all members.
- NEC extended its felicitations to women appointed into leadership positions and offered condolences to those States affected by natural disasters, even as it urged the Federal and State Governments to equally continue to boost the fight against insurgency and insecurity in the nation.
This communique is hereby issued for immediate Release.”
Other members of the committee include Adesuwa Ehimuan and Anne Daniel
