Stakeholders, NAWOJ Urge Women to Sustain Resilience, Pursue Professional Excellence

By David Odama

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and other stakeholders have called on women to sustain their inherent resilience and continue to strive for excellence in their various professions.

The call was made on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the Zone-D Executive Council (ZEC) meeting of NAWOJ.

In her remarks, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, Vice President of NAWOJ Zone-D, urged women to keep supporting and uplifting one another to excel in their chosen careers. She noted that in a male-dominated world, only hardworking and resilient women stand out, stressing the need for every woman to redouble her efforts.

Ogbeche commended the Nasarawa State Government for recognizing and appointing women, especially journalists, into key positions. She also appreciated men who support women’s advancement and pledged that female journalists would continue to use their platforms to promote women who have broken barriers and to inspire young girls.

She emphasized that access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities empowers women to drive growth and stability in their communities, while encouraging women to take up leadership roles and contribute to good governance and national development.

Declaring the event open, Haj. Silifat Sule, wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, urged women to be proactive, take charge of their lives, and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Haj. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Nasir Zakari, encouraged women to mentor and support one another while striving for excellence. She noted that women in leadership roles promote social cohesion, address inequalities, and help shape inclusive policies.

The Minister lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for rolling out several initiatives aimed at empowering women, assuring that more programs are underway to ensure women take their rightful place in national development.

On her part, Barr. Abigail Waya, Nasarawa State Head of Civil Service, thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule for appointing many women into sensitive positions. She commended women who have excelled across various sectors, noting that resilience is key to achieving excellence—even in marriage.

Waya also applauded women journalists for their professionalism and growing representation in major media organizations across the country. “In the past, only a few women practiced journalism, but today the story is different, and we are proud of their achievements,” she added.

The event was attended by Salihu Mohammed-Alkali, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Nasarawa State; Ibrahim Addra, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor; as well as NAWOJ Chairpersons and Secretaries from the six North-Central states, the Federal Capital Territory, and women from various sectors.