Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has condoled the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) over the death of the Council’s President, Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau, describing her as a strong advocate of women empowerment.
Hajiya Lau, who was elected NCWS president in April 2022, died on Tuesday 4th June, 2024 in Kebbi State while on official duties and was laid to rest on Wednesday 5th June, 2024 in her home state, Taraba.
Statement signed and made available to Newsmen on Sunday by the NAWOJ National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan , said NAWOJ delegation which included the Chairperson NAWOJ, FCT Chapter, Mrs. Bassey Ikpang, Vice Chairperson, Mrs Rebecca Ukpevo, two former Chairpersons: Comrade Joy Idam and Annah Daniel, paid a condolence visit on the leadership of NCWS at the weekend . They were received at the Council’s National Secretariat in Abuja by the NCWS’ Second Vice President, Geraldine Etuk, and other members of the Council’s executive.
According to the statement, NAWOJ National President, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, who expressed shock at Hajiya Lau’s sudden death, said the Association has accepted it as the will of God.
The president, who was represented by the NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D (North Central), Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, extolled the virtues of the deceased leader, who she said, remained focused on ensuring that the Nigerian woman gained her rightful place in government as she promised following her emergence as NCWS president.
The statement read in parts:
Pix: NAWOJ President,Aisha Ibrahim
“The news of the death of Hajiya Lami came as a shock to us at the NAWOJ National Secretariat but we have accepted it as the will of God. Her death is a great loss to the nation. It is a loss to all of us as members of the NCWS. We are all mouning but as people of faith we have accepted it as the will of God.
“Hajiya Lami lived an exemplary life as a strong advocate of women empowerment and protector of the rights of women and girls. NAWOJ thehero and champion.
“She has successfully rund her race and handed the baton to those of us she left behind. So, we must honour her memory by ensuring that the legacy she has built is sustained and even surpassed.
“Also, her death should be a reminder that we would only be remembered by what we are able to do while we are here and this should motivate us to be committed and not relent in the fight for the protection of the rights of women and girls,” she said.
” The NAWOJ Vice President prayed for the peaceful repose of Hajiya Lami and urged other executives of the Council to close ranks and work together in order to fill the vacuum created by the President.
According to the statement, while
responding on behalf of NCWS, the 1st Vice President NCWS, Mrs. Geraldine Etuk, appreciated NAWOJ for paying the condolence visit on the Council.
She highlighted the good qualities of the late president, and urged NAWOJ and other women groups as well well meaning Nigerians to join in the Seventh day prayer for Hajiya Lami which is scheduled to hold on Tuesday at the Council’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
NCWS Executives and members on hand to receive the visitors include: the Council’s 3rd Vice President, Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, the Treasurer, as well as former President, NAWOJ, Evelyn Onyilo.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama