Abia State government has said it would continue to support capacity building and ensure protection of rights of women journalists in the state.
The governor, Alex Otti, gave the assurance at the 34th anniversary of the state chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Umuahia, the state capital, yesterday.
Represented by the commissioner for information, Okey Kanu, Otti noted that the NAWOJ had not only blazed the trail, but also transferred the media landscape of the state.
“You have consistently shown that journalism is not just about reporting news, but also about shaping public opinion, influencing public policy, and driving positive societal changes,” he said.
Otti, who lauded the members for their contributions to the emergence of his administration, challenged them not to relent until the desired new Abia is achieved.
In a remark, the chairman of the occasion and rector, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Christopher Okoro, commended NAWOJ for being part of the voice for the voiceless.
Describing the theme of the occasion, “Eliminating Obnoxious Cultural Practices Against Women,” as timely, he urged the members to sustain their commitment to fearless, fair and balanced reportage.
Earlier in an address, the chairperson of the chapter, Josephine Ogwo, said NAWOJ had come a long way in adding value to journalism practice in the country.
Ogwo commended the governor for the existing cordial relations between the government and the chapter, and the ongoing transformation and infrastructure development in the state.
She expressed appreciation to the wife of the governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for her numerous interventions which she said include championing the cause of the girl- child, women and the vulnerable among others.
“We are solidly behind you and look forward to partnering with your office in the crusade for a better deal for the female gender in the state,” she said.
The chairperson noted however that the chapter has no office accommodation and operational vehicle and appealed to the government to help out.
The occasion included presentation of awards to the member for Umunneochi Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mathis Ume and two others and a lecture by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Becky Oguama.
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