By Queen Kunde
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint a Minister for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which has been without leadership for over six months.
This was part of a communique issued at the end of the chapter’s congress, held on September 22, 2024, in Abuja.
The congress, chaired by FCT NAWOJ Chairperson Bassey Ita Ikpang, saw the participation of union members, including NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche. A key highlight of the event was a training session titled “Using Technology for Women Empowerment Amidst Economic Challenges,” which focused on how female journalists can utilize digital tools for professional growth.
In her address, Grace Ike, Vice Chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel, emphasized the need for female journalists to embrace technology, particularly in areas such as social media engagement, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling. “Rather than focusing on challenges or limitations, female journalists should harness the potential of technology to enhance their work,” she said.
The Executive Director of Hope Raisers Global Foundation, Angonimi David Imeh, also announced free training on digital technology for 10 female journalists as part of efforts to empower women in the media industry.
Concerns Over National Issues
The NAWOJ FCT congress raised concerns about the ongoing review of the Violence Against Persons Act (VAPP), cautioning that the act, which took 16 years to implement, should be reviewed carefully to avoid discarding critical sections. “The act should be reviewed, not entirely amended,” the communique stressed.
Security issues in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were also discussed, with the congress urging security agencies to address the rising crime rate in the city. Additionally, the association advised parents to instill moral values in their children to prevent them from falling victim to internet fraud and other vices.
Union Affairs and Humanitarian Support
On union matters, the congress called on members to provide support for victims of the recent Borno flood, especially as the NAWOJ National Chairperson hails from Borno State. Members were encouraged to contribute voluntarily to aid the flood victims.
In response to the current economic challenges, the congress urged NAWOJ leadership to appeal for government assistance for its members, particularly regarding access to federal government rice palliatives. While journalists can purchase rice at designated sales points using their National Identification Numbers (NIN), the association was asked to explore further avenues for support.
The congress also emphasized the need to include Persons with Disabilities in all its activities, ensuring inclusivity in their programs.
In conclusion, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson Bassey Ita Ikpang appealed to members to come forward with contacts that could assist the association in seeking further aid. Both the Vice President, Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche, and the Chairperson stressed the importance of instilling good morals in children to help curb societal vices.
The communique was signed by the Communique Drafting Committee, including Ruth Tene, Joy Idam, and Muplang Dakok.
