By Eunice Emeyazia
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has urged members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to leverage their influence as catalysts for effective leadership and drivers of gender equality, equity, and inclusion in governance.
Governor Uzodinma, represented by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Okomaru, gave the charge while declaring open the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of NAWOJ held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri. He commended the association for championing women’s rights and acknowledged the media’s critical role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Also speaking, the Matron of Imo NAWOJ and wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma—represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinyere Okpu—urged women journalists to continue using their platforms responsibly in service of truth and the public good.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, expressed satisfaction with the Aisha Ibrahim-led NAWOJ administration and reaffirmed the NUJ’s continued support for the association.
In her remarks, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim Bura, highlighted the evolution of the association into a formidable voice for women across the country. She said NAWOJ has become a vital agent for social change—challenging patriarchal norms, amplifying marginalized voices, mentoring women, and holding leaders accountable.
Earlier, the Zonal Vice Chairperson of NAWOJ (South East), Comrade Uzoamaka Agbo, and the Imo State NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Dorothy Nnaji, Ph.D., commended the resilience of women journalists in advocating for women’s rights despite challenges. They also appreciated the Imo State Government for supporting the hosting of the NEC meeting in the state for the first time.
A former two-time NAWOJ President, Comrade Ifeyinwa Omowole, and the South South Zonal Vice Chairperson, Comrade Stella Macaulay, lauded the progress recorded under the current leadership. They noted that the impressive turnout and quality of awards presented at the event signified growth and renewed relevance for the association.
The meeting featured a lecture by the Clerk and Head of Service of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chinelo Emeghara, Esq., who emphasized the need for increased public awareness on existing legislations to enhance implementation.
Awards were also presented to distinguished personalities, including Governor Hope Uzodinma; NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya; Deputy NUJ President, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde; immediate past NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo; and former NAWOJ President, Comrade Ifeyinwa Omowole, among others.
The NEC later went into a closed-door session for further deliberations. The National President of the League of Women Voters (NILOWV), Mrs. Irene Awunah, was also present to strengthen collaboration with women journalists, particularly in advancing the Special Seats Bill.
Key highlights of the gathering were the empowerment of two Imo NAWOJ members with ₦150,000 each by NAWOJ national body, the formal induction of the recently inaugurated state Exco members into NEC, the celebration of the birthday of the Deputy National Chairperson, NAWOJ, Dr. Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu, whose birthday coincided with the NEC meeting, as well as the appointment of Chairperson Edo state NAWOJ, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimwan as SA to the NAWOJ President.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments to amplifying women’s voices and driving meaningful societal change.
NIM
