Abia State Governor , Dr Alex Otti has restated his administration’s desire to partner with Women Journalists in building a more inclusive, informed and progressive Abia state.
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Governor Otti who stated this during the 34th anniversary celebration of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Abia State Chapter held at the Police Officers Mess Umuahia said NAWOJ has not only blazed the trail but also transformed the media landscape of the State and Nigeria in general.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu assured government’s continued support for the capacity building of women Journalists, promotion of press freedom and protection of their rights to operate without fear and intimidation.
He noted with delight that his government has given women their pride of place in the governance of the State with sixty seven percent of appointment as permanent Secretaries ceded to women.
Governor Otti commended the founding mothers of NAWOJ and their members for their efforts in speaking truth to power and congratulated them on their 34th anniversary celebration.
In her speech, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa expressed Joy that the voice of women are being heard today at the center of national conversation and stressed the need for them to be empowered not only in the media but other fields of endeavor.
In his remarks, the Chairman on the Occasion and Rector of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic ABA Dr Christopher Okoro described the theme of the celebration “empowering women voices: 34 years of trailblazing Journalism” as apt especially now women are no longer relegated to the background but are at the forefront on issues of national discourse.
Presenting the anniversary lecture on the topic “Eliminating obnoxious cultural practices against women” , the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs Mrs Becky Oguama pointed at female genital mutilation, early child marriage among others as some of the uncivilized practices against women and called for the domestication of local protective laws to protect children and women.
Presenting her welcome address, the Abia state chairperson NAWOJ, Comrade Josephine Ogwo who observed that NAWOJ has achieved remarkable milestones in many endeavors thanked the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti for championing the cause of the girl child, women and vulnerable ones and pledged their partnership in the fight against gender based violence against women.
The occasion featured presentation of awards to deserving individuals including the Deputy Majority Leader, Abia House of Assembly Chief Mathias Ume, the immediate past Head of Service Dr Ngozi Obioma , among others.
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