By Queen Kunde
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) National Secretariat has condemned the reported harassment of its immediate past National President, Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa.
In a strongly worded statement signed by National Chairperson Comrade Aisha Ibrahim and National Secretary Comrade Wasilah Ladan, NAWOJ demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Opeifa. The association insisted the apology must be published in multiple national dailies and broadcast on at least one electronic media platform, either radio or television.
The association also stressed that an apology be extended to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where Bala currently serves, following remarks that demeaned the institution during the incident.
“NAWOJ condemns in totality the harassment and intimidation of our member, an immediate past National President, and calls for urgent action to prevent future incidents against journalists in the course of their professional duties,” the statement read.
The women journalists’ body emphasized that press freedom and journalists’ safety are non-negotiable in a democracy, adding that any act of intimidation undermines transparency and accountability in governance.
“Our members’ wellbeing and protection remain paramount. We therefore urge the NRC boss to, without delay, do the needful by rendering a public apology and committing to measures that will forestall future occurrences,” NAWOJ stated.
The association vowed to stand firmly by its members while urging media stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the dignity and independence of journalists across the country.
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