Women Journalists Lament Rising Insecurity

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has raised fresh alarm over the escalating wave of insecurity across Nigeria, calling for urgent government intervention to safeguard citizens—especially women and children—who remain increasingly vulnerable to abductions, violations and violent attacks.

The alarm was part of a wide-ranging communiqué issued at the end of NAWOJ’s 2nd statutory NEC meeting held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri, Imo State.

The meeting brought together national officers, state chairpersons and secretaries, as well as zonal officers, under the leadership of the National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Bura.

With the theme “Amplifying Change: The Media, Legislation, and the Advancement of Women,” the meeting featured a keynote presentation by the Clerk and Head of Service of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chinelo Emeghara , who urged women journalists to deepen public awareness on legislations that protect women and children, noting that proper implementation begins with informed citizenry.

Declaring the meeting open, Governor Hope Uzodinma—represented by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru—commended the critical role of the media in strengthening transparency and accountability.

He urged NAWOJ members to continue championing equity, inclusion and the protection of women’s rights, describing journalists as indispensable catalysts for good governance.

Other dignitaries who addressed the Council included the wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma; NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya; Imo State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Declan Emelumba; and the National President of the League of Women Voters, Mrs Irene Awunah.

The Council reviewed the association’s programmes, the challenges facing female journalists, and progress made on the “Her Seat in Parliament” advocacy campaign implemented in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV).

It also examined national issues ranging from governance to the deteriorating security situation.

In its resolutions, NEC expressed deep appreciation to Governor Uzodinma for hosting delegates from across the 36 states and the FCT, while commending ongoing infrastructural developments in the state. The Council pledged to partner with the government in projecting its developmental strides.

Expressing solidarity with families whose children have been abducted or traumatized, the association insisted that “every Nigerian child deserves full protection and dignity.”

NEC also decried the worsening conditions of major highways across Nigeria, describing many of them as “death traps” where insecurity and poor road infrastructure combine to endanger lives and hamper economic activity. It called on the Federal and State Governments to rehabilitate major roads, bolster highway security patrols, deploy surveillance systems, and ensure safer travel for citizens, especially women who face heightened risks.

The Council further appreciated the NUJ National President and his delegation for their unwavering support, reaffirming NAWOJ’s commitment to collaborative initiatives that promote ethical journalism and advance the leadership of women in the media industry.

The communiqué was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee led by Comrade Adeola Adekunle (Vice President, B Zone), alongside Comrade Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi (Ebonyi), Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika (Anambra), Comrade Uduak Ekong (Akwa Ibom), and Comrade Felicia Amos Dauda (Adamawa).