By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has tasked the federal government and state governments, especially in the North Central, on proactive measures to curb crimes, protect lives and property of the citizens.
The call is following the spate of violent crimes and incessant attacks on communities across Nigeria, especially in the North Central region, as well as it devastating consequences.
The association demands survellance and effective policing, timely arrests, and the judicious prosecution of perpetrators to serve as deterrent.
A press statement by NAWOJ Zonal Secretary, Zone D, Mrs Juliana Ose Ofoku, said women journalists handed down the charge in a communique issued at the end of Zone D Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting u nf, Weekend in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
She said while acknowledging efforts by the Federal and State Governments’ efforts, the ZEC Meeting attended by NAWOJ leaders from the six states and the FCT, noted that protection of lives and property must remain a top priority for government all levels; just as they urged government and the media to stop underplaying the extent of damage caused by the violent attacks in the North Central and other parts of the country by violent non-state actors.
Comrade Ofoku, further stated that the meeting presided over by the Vice President, Zone D, Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, appealled to government at all levels to initiate programmes aimed at alleviating poverty, noting that poverty adversely affects women, even as such programmes would also engage the teeming youth population.
The female journalists commiserated with the Government and people of Niger State over the recent tanker explosion that claimed many lives, while calling on emergency agencies to be more proactive in such situations and improve public awareness campaigns against scooping fuel from accident scenes.
NAWOJ Zone D bemoaned the deplorable state of roads across the country, which has been blamed for multiple high casualty accidents, adding that focus on road construction and rehabilitation would alsl enhance trade, boost productivity, and reduce road carnage.
The Association’s leadership also appealled to political aspirants to focus on issue-based politics and governance rather than the 2027 election, which is considered In this regard, NAWOJ congratulates the new INEC Chairman on his appointment and urges him to fulfil his promises and ensure peaceful, transparent, credible, and elections in 2027.
The women journalists also called for active participation of women in politics and support from all stakeholders, especially in the passage of the Special Seats For Women Bill pending at the National Assembly NASS.
In the same vein, the zonal officers commended the 10th NASS on the ongoing electoral reforms, noting that the proposed amendments would reduce voter apathy and rebuild trust of the electorate in the process; just as the association applauded the federal lawmakers moves towards ensuring elected officials who defect from their political parties vacate their positions.
NAWOJ expresses concern over the high rate of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) despite ongoing efforts to combat it. The association calls for stringent penalties for offenders and the speedy implementation of laws against SGBV across the country.
NAWOJ Zone D expresses profound appreciation to the Governor of Nasarawa state, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the First Lady, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, for their support of issues affecting women and children in the state and for their support towards the success of the ZEC Meeting.
The zonal leaders also commended the state governor for appointing more women, including women journalists, into his cabinet as well as his efforts towards infrastructural development in the state.
Similarly, the commended the Chairman of the NUJ, Nasarawa State Council, Comrade Salihu Mohammad Alkali, for supporting women journalists in the state and the solidarity in successfully organising the ZEC Meeting.
The ZEC observed a minute silence for the reposed of the soul of former Chairperson, NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene, and other departed members of the zone, even as they urged women journalists to pay attention to their health despite their tight schedules.
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