The First Lady of Nasarawa State, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, has lauded the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nasarawa State Chapter, for its steadfast commitment to responsible journalism, women empowerment, and developmental advocacy across the state.
Speaking on Thursday in Lafia during an event marking the one-year anniversary in office of the current executive committee and the unveiling of the Compendium of Nasarawa Amazons, Hajiya Sule who was represented by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, Comrade Juliana Ofoku tasked female journalists to uphold the ethics of journalism for growth and development of the state.
She described the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Honouring Excellence and Inspiring the Future,” as both timely and essential for societal progress.
”The theme is both timely and inspiring, as it reminds us of the need to preserve our rich cultural heritage, recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves through excellence and service, and inspire the younger generation to contribute meaningfully to the development of our society,” the First Lady stated.
Accepting a distinguished recognition award presented to her at the occasion, Hajiya Silifat dedicated the honour to the women of the state.
”I accept this award with humility and gratitude, and I dedicate it to the hardworking and resilient women of Nasarawa State. Your recognition has further strengthened my resolve to serve, support, and champion causes that advance the wellbeing and empowerment of women in Nasarawa State,” she added.
She pledged her continued support and partnership as Patron of the association.
Welcoming guests to the anniversary celebration, the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Mercy Tanze-Zabadi, expressed deep gratitude to the state government and the First Lady for their sustained backing of women-focused initiatives.
Outlining the vision of the current executive, Tanze-Zabadi emphasised the heavy responsibility borne by female media professionals.
”As women journalists, we understand the enormous responsibility placed upon us. We have a duty to give voice to the voiceless, promote accountability and good governance, defend the rights and dignity of women and children, expose issues affecting our communities, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria,” she said.
She appealed to government agencies, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to support NAWOJ in upgrading its office infrastructure, acquiring modern working tools, and expanding capacity-building programs for its members.
Delivering the keynote address entitled “The Role of Women Journalists in Strengthening Democracy and Sustainable Development,” former NAWOJ State Chairperson, Mrs. Veronica Ogbole, charged media women to safeguard professional integrity while amplifying women’s achievements.
She urged female journalists to embrace digital tools, strengthen mentorship frameworks, and document the history and contributions of women across various sectors.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim represented by Hon. Amina Wamba urged female journalists to use their media platforms to champion girl-child education and combat grassroots vulnerabilities.
”If you don’t sponsor the young ones to take over by sending them to school, I mean the poor man’s child, tomorrow you will not get people to take over what you are doing,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She tasked NAWOJ members to project development messages to rural areas, promote vocational skills acquisition, and encourage young girls to pursue diverse career paths.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Occasion and Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Justina Anjide Kotso represented by Mrs. Tina Cyril, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) called on female journalists to highlight underreported grassroots development and intensify coverage of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
”Go to the rural areas and see the empowerment Engineer Abdullahi Sule is doing for women, and please bring it to the fore for everyone to see as female journalists.
“Especially gender based violence that too is underreported. Bring it to the fore, follow offenders to court so that punishment will deter others,” she added.
On her part, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, praised women in appointive positions for demonstrating competence and called on political parties and government stakeholders to accord women more elective positions in upcoming political cycles.
Representing the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, the Vice President of Zone D, Comrade Chizoba Okonkwo-Ogbeche, commended the Nasarawa chapter for pioneering efforts to honor past female media leaders and local trailblazers.
”They say, ‘If you don’t say I am, nobody will say Thou art.’ So now, we are saying we are, so that the world will also say that we are,” Ibrahim stated.
She noted that Zone D leads the country in female representation within media union structures, urging members to maintain unity.
“We rise with each other, and we are stronger together. Let’s correct with love,” she stated.
Serving as Chief Launcher of the compendium, the member representing Lafia Central in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, praised NAWOJ leadership for demonstrating clear capacity during its first year in office and tasked journalists on objectivity.
”It doesn’t take you anything to say the truth, the way it is.Whatever we are giving out as journalists, we must make sure we balance the news,” Akwashiki remarked, while emphasising that good governance requires cross-party collaboration and justice to maintain peace.
Reviewing the publication, Mallam Shehu Ibrahim, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, described the featured subjects such as pre-state legislator Hajiya Amina Wamba as historical figures whose contributions must be preserved in literature for posterity.
He recommended making copies of the compendium available in primary and secondary schools to inspire young girls.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Rebecca Kpaji represented by the Director of Nutrition, Hajiya Amina Mohammed reiterated the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with NAWOJ on nutrition and maternal welfare programmes.
Speaking separately, the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Comrade Salihu Alkali, and the NUJ State Secretary, Ibrahim Dauda both highlighting the strong synergy between the main council and NAWOJ.
The high point of the event was the official presentation of the Compendium of Nasarawa Amazons and the conferment of recognition awards on distinguished personalities, partners, and past NAWOJ chairpersons for their contributions to societal development.
