Imo NAWOJ chairperson lauds association’s achievements in 30 years

Imo NAWOJ chairperson lauds association’s achievements in 30 years
Anniversary
By Ugonne Uzoma
Owerri, Nov. 1, 2019 (NAN) Vivian Ottih, the Chairman of Imo chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has lauded the modest achievements of the association since its inception 30 years ago.
Ottih made the commendation at a ceremony to mark the association’s 30th anniversary on Friday in Owerri.
She said that the achievements, notwithstanding, the association should continue to explore new frontiers for greater exploits.
She said that the group had since its inception tackled the challenges faced by female journalists.
She said that the commitment demonstrated by the association helped to bring about more vibrant female journalists in the country.
She also said that the association had been in the forefront of the campaign for fair representation of women in positions of authority at both the federal and state levels.
Ottih said: “30 years have rolled by and quite a number of other successes have been recorded.
“Also, through NAWOJ programmes and activities, members have become more exposed, knowledgeable, confident and equipped with better understanding of their rights and obligations,” she said.
She, however, said that the celebration called for sober reflection on the goals and objectives of the associaition and the future of the association.
In a speech, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Ebere Ihedioha, who congratulated the group on its 30th anniversary, urged women journalists to capitalise on their positions in the media to encourage the girl-child to shun social vices.
Ihedioha, represented by Dr Ngizi Egbuchulam, also pledged the support of her office to every effort to promote the wellbeing of the girl-child.
She further saluted women journalists for their resilience, in spite of the risks associated with the practice of journalism.
She also urged the group to join hands with the present administration to rebuild the state.
Earlier, while presenting a paper on “Women, the great builders of society: Role in the rebuilding of Imo vision,” the Keynote Speaker, Mrs Uju Onwudiwe, highlighted the need for women to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of the society.
Onwudiwe also called for more appointments of women into positions of authority, empowerment of women and elimination of all forms of discrimination and harmful cultural practices against women.
She expressed her confidence in NAWOJ, as a trail blazer, to champion the cause for the full integration of women in national and sub-national issues.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Adaobi Obasi, urged women journalists to be courageous in the discharge of their duties, bearing in mind their role in the building of a peaceful and egalitarian society.
Obasi also urged them to strive to contribute their quota to nation building by being truthful and proactive in championing just and right causes. (NAN)
UOI/ECN/USO
(Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Sam Oditah)