Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), on Thursday, inaugurated the newly-elected executives of the Enugu state chapter of the Association. It also honoured a Customary Court of Appeal judge, Hon. Justice Ugonne Nweze.
Inaugurating the executives at the Unity hall of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi NUJ , Enugu Press Centre, the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala congratulated the new officers. She urged them to exhibit high sense of responsibility in running the affairs of the association.
Represented by the National Board of Trustees (BOT), Comrade Ngozi Mbah, Bala said that “women are not second hand citizens but” men” with the added responsibility of being the womb bearers.” She explained that apart from being “men” , women have been given much more qualities.
The president was optimistic that the officers will do well. She said , ” this is what you are expected to exhibit in your administration and am sure you can do it because you have already started and have hit the ground running’.
In his Goodwill message, the Special guest of honor and governor of Enugu state, Rt. Hon(Dr) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, represented by the Special Adviser to Governor on Information, Hon. Steve Oruruo congratulated the new executives. He assured them of the state government’s support to the association.
The National president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, who was represented by the chairman of NUJ, Enugu state council, Comrade Sam Udekwe, congratulated the new executives.
On it’s part, the state council in it’s Goodwill message signed by the chairman, Comrade Sam Udekwe and the Assistant secretary, Dame Ifeoma Amuta , described the event as a true demonstration of robust leadership foundation laid by the present crop of leaders of NAWOJ, Enugu state chapter, led by it’s chairperson , Comrade Ngozi Ngene.
Udekwe said, “The convergence of the thick crowd of NAWOJ members,manifestly tells the story of the leadership quite acceptable to the people. In other words, good leadership begets good followership.
He continued, “For the NUJ, it is indeed, an added rib to the leadership strength of the council. This is so, considering the unique role naturally played by the womenfolk in maintenance of a peaceful and progressive home, especially with the heartbeat of peace embedded in the mother of the home.
“Apparently, this is the accomplishment of the balance of existence in the journalism community in Enugu state, just as nature outlays the equation of humanity with masculinity and femininity,” the state council chairman said.
In her presentation, the Guest Speaker/ awardee, Justice Ugonne Nweze speaking on the topic ,”The role of women in a peaceful election”,identified corruption, electoral aparthy, thuggery, electoral violence as some of the factors that could bring violence in elections. She however said that they could be changed to violent- free elections in Nigeria.
Represented by her daughter, Dr( Barrister) Nnesochi Nweze, Justice Nweze ,described women as agents of stability. She noted that ways women could help in achieving peaceful elections included, proximity to polling units, online proximity, creation of community platforms to support active participation of women, funding among others.
Justice Nweze urged women to educate their children on the need for peaceful elections and to say no to being used as political thugs.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Ngozi Ngene thanked the national executives, Enugu state executives and members of NAWOJ and NUJ respectively, for their support during her campaign.
She said that her campaign promises which were based on uniting all the members to a common front to sour higher will strictly be accomplished by the grace of God.”
The chairperson intimated the audience that NAWOJ Enugu since she assumed office, had held a number of functions and participated in some others which included road walk to mark the 16 Days Activism on Elimination of Gender- Based Violence(GBV), One million March to mark the International women’s Day 2022, Press Conference on Women Inclusion in Electioneering, Voter Education to Rural women, rehabilitation of an Enugu based Gender violence victim, radio programs on women and children affairs among others.
Ngene said NAWOJ formed coalition within different environments to address the issues that affect women and children in all sphers of life.
She assured that NAWOJ will continue to fight against gender- based violence against the women and bring all NAWOJians close to move the association forward. She also disclosed the willingness of NAWOJ to partner with corporate organisations , non- governmental organizations, government bodies and individuals, on programs that will impact on women, children, youth and the society.
Other goodwill messages were from Elder Comrade Chris Agu, Enugu state Governorship candidate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), OFU Oshimiri family union, signed by Franklin’s Ngene, management and partners of NEICE Foundation, signed by Ngene Charles Emeka, Mr and Mrs Ikechukwu Ngene, Mr and Mrs Kennedy Okolie and family, Goshenstars College, Enugu, Enugu state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure,
The new executives are Comrade Ngozi Ngene, chairperson ,Amaka Uchennadiukwu , Vice Chairperson, Ogochukwu Chukwudike, Secretary,MaryAnn Bill Moore, Assistant Secretary, Ibelegbu Okechi Lucy, Treasurer, Sylvia Udegbunam , Financial Secretary, Carol Kama, Auditor, Nneka Ugwuanyi, Ex-officio and Chiebonam Ugwu Ikwunne.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of award to the Customary court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice Ugonne Nweze.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the late immediate past chairperson of NAWOJ, Enugu state chapter, Lolo Chinyere Mgbo.