By Gloria Josiah
The Nigeria Association of women journalists ( NAWOJ) FCT Chapter rising from her October 2024 Congress, chaired by the Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, with over 60 members in attendance, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for replacing the 3 female ministers with another 3.
The meeting also received the Grace Ike Consultation team, Led by The Team lead One Voice New Era, Comrade Grace Ike, Jide Oyekunle and Sandra Udeike, who informed the congress of Grace’s intention to contest for office of Chairman in the forth coming NUJ FCT Election. While Jide Oyekunle will contest for Secretary and Sandra Udeike for Treasurer.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the meeting. The Congress featured a lecture presentation by a health and Security Expert, Khadijat Bobboi from Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) Khadiyat Bobboi who solicited continuous collaboration of NAWOJ FCT towards effective media campaign for appropriate funding and awareness of Infection Prevention Control- IPC. Bobboi revealed that capacity building of health workers was achieved in the phase one of the project.
She explained the need for the reestablishment of the budget line that was not accessed in 2023 and was removed hence the need for intense advocacy to bring it back in 2025 budget.
On The State of The Nation
Members of FCT NAWOJ expressed alarm at the rate of hunger in the land occasioned by the various economic policies that are hitting hard on the people and therefore called on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency take necessary steps to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
They noted the rising spate of insecurity in the FCT especially incidences of ONE CHANCE and threats by Scavengers which have led to death and injury for many Nigerians. Disturbed by the trauma faced by victims and families of victims, the congress urged security agencies especially in the FCT and environs to step up their game by protecting lives and property.
The Congress recognized the efforts of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in addressing the issue of street begging within the Federal Capital Territory, noting that these efforts are expected to result in a significant reduction in the presence of beggars across the city. The Congress stressed the importance of implementing rehabilitation programs for beggars to ensure sustainable solutions and prevent a resurgence of street begging.
FCT NAWOJ applauded President Tinubu for replacing the female ministers removed with other females thereby retaining the number of females in his cabinet. The Congress congratulated the new ministers, especially the women, and advised the new minister of women affairs to pay special attention to issues of the girl child especially the VAPP act as it affects the girl child . The Congress further appealed to the female ministers to perform exceptionally in their duties as it will strengthen the chances of other women for future appointments.
The congress frowned at the consistent increase in pump price of fuel as this contributes to the economic hardship in the country. Congress called for a downward review of the fuel price in the interest of the masses.
The Congress, as part of breast cancer awareness month, urged all females to examine their breasts regularly and take all necessary precautions including screening as early detection is key to successful treatment. Congress also celebrated her December babies.
Communiqué Drafting Committee comprised Fransica Ogar- ITV, Nkechi Onyeneke -FMoI, Chidinma Ugoh Ibekwe – Love FM. Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang
Chairperson, Nkiruka Okeke, Secretary.
