Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife Nasarawa State Gov. Abdullahi Sule, has tasked the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on professionalism to uphold responsible journalism for the development of society.
Hajiya Sule gave the task in Lafia during an event marking the first anniversary of the executive committee and unveiling of the ‘’Compendium of Nasarawa Amazons’’.
The governor’s wife also expressed commitment to sustaining women’s empowerment, the welfare of children, vulnerable groups and areas needing sustained attention.
She applauded the NAWOJ, Nasarawa State Chapter, for its steadfast commitment to responsible journalism, women’s empowerment, and developmental advocacy across the state.
Hajiya Sule, was represented by the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, Ms Juliana Ofoku.
She urged female journalists to uphold the ethics of Journalism for the 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.
‘’It also charges us to inspire the younger generation to contribute meaningfully to the development of our society,” the governor’s wife stated.
She thanked the NAWOJ, Nasarawa State Chapter, for honouring her with an award of recognition for her contributions and services to women and children in the state.
“Your recognition has further strengthened my resolve to serve, support, and champion causes that advance the well-being and empowerment of women in Nasarawa State,” she said.
The state Chairperson of NAWOJ, Ms Mercy Tanze-Zabadi, expressed gratitude to the state government and the first lady for their sustained backing of women-focused initiatives.
”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.
‘’We also 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.
Tanze-Zabadi also called for support in acquiring modern working tools, and expanding capacity-building programs for its members.
Also, a former NAWOJ state Chairperson, Mrs Veronica Ogbole, charged media women to safeguard professional integrity, while amplifying women’s achievements.
Ogbole delivered the keynote address titled, “The Role of Women Journalists in Strengthening Democracy and Sustainable Development”.
In a goodwill message, Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Amina Wamba, urged female journalists to use their media platforms to champion girl-child education and combat grassroots vulnerabilities.
Also, the Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Justina Kotso, called on female journalists to highlight underreported grassroots development and intensify coverage of gender-based violence.
Kotso was represented by Mrs Tina Cyril, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service.
On her part, former Secretary to the State Government, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, praised women in appointive positions for demonstrating competence.
Ahmed called on political parties and government stakeholders to accord women more elective positions in upcoming political cycles.
In her remarks, the National President of NAWOJ, Ms Aisha Ibrahim, commended the Nasarawa chapter for pioneering efforts to honour past female media leaders and local trailblazers.
Ibrahim was represented by the Vice President of NAWOJ Zone D, Ms Chizoba Okonkwo-Ogbeche.
A member, representing Lafia Central in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr Solomon Akwashiki, commended NAWOJ leadership for demonstrating clear capacity during its first year in office.
Akwashiki, who inaugurated the compendium, tasked journalists on objectivity when reporting.
The book reviewer, Mallam Shehu Ibrahim, described the featured subjects, such as pre-state legislator Hajiya Amina Wamba, as historical figures whose contributions must be preserved in literature for posterity.
Ibrahim is the Deputy Director of Information, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
He recommended making copies of the compendium available in primary and secondary schools to inspire young girls.
Highlights of the event include the official presentation of the book and the conferment of recognition awards on distinguished personalities and partners, for their contributions to societal development.
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