The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has called on Nigerian women to embrace early cancer screening, declaring that “cancer is not a death sentence” while spotlighting rising insecurity, gender disparity, and welfare concerns during its June 2025 Congress in Abuja.
Presided over by Chairperson Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, the Congress brought together women journalists to confront key national issues and chart a path forward for the association.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tessy Ahmadu, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist from FMC Jabi, commended NAWOJ FCT members for their active participation in the March 2025 free Cancer screening exercise.
She emphasized the importance of early detection and urged journalists to help break societal myths surrounding cancer that prevent women from seeking help.
“Cancer is not a death sentence. Early detection is our strongest defense,” Dr. Ahmadu said, while encouraging broader adoption of the Thermalytix screening method used during the outreach, which benefited over 100 members.
The Congress also tackled pressing national issues, including the state of insecurity and marginalization of women in national recognition. While commending President Bola Tinubu for honoring deserving Nigerians during the Democracy Day celebrations, NAWOJ FCT expressed disappointment that only three women were included on the honours list.
The association also praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for addressing residents’ complaints about water supply, but condemned the ongoing banditry, high cost of living, power failures, and lack of government response to violent crimes.
A moment of deep concern was the Congress’s reaction to the armed robbery attack on its Vice Chairperson, Comrade Bolanle Ukpevo, who was ambushed in Abuja while returning from work. The association described the attack as one too many and demanded immediate and decisive government intervention to protect citizens and journalists alike.
On internal matters, the Congress resolved to boost membership participation through chapel visitations, establish a physical condolence team for bereaved members, and advocate for government-provided palliatives for senior citizens to ease the financial burden on working families.
In commemoration of World Blood Donor Day, members were also encouraged to voluntarily donate blood and help debunk myths that women are unfit for blood donation.
Celebrating its own, NAWOJ FCT applauded members recently elected into the NUJ FCT Council and FCT Correspondents Chapel. The Congress acknowledged the resignation of Comrade Gloria Josiah as Ex-Officio, with plans to fill the vacant position soon.
Chairperson Ikpang, while apologizing for the two-month gap in Congress meetings, urged members to contribute innovative ideas to reposition the chapter.
She reaffirmed her commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive platform for women journalists in the FCT.
The Congress was formally adjourned and will reconvene in July 2025.