By Sharon Akuboh
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) joins millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to celebrate our nation’s resilience, unity and hope with a strong believer that we can surmount our insecurity challenges.
Today, we celebrate not just the freedom won by our founding fathers on October 1st, 1960, but the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people that has kept us together despite daunting challenges. Our journey has not been without pains, but our faith in a greater Nigeria has never wavered.
As mothers and women journalists, we are deeply concerned about the current hardship, the wanton killings, banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity that have bedeviled our country. These acts have brought sorrow to many homes and threatened our peace and development.
However, we firmly believe that Nigeria will overcome these trying times. We are a nation blessed with strength, diversity and resilience, and with collective effort, leadership and prayers, we shall triumph over all evil forces.
NAWOJ Boss Aishatu Ibrahim stressed that at this critical moment in our national history, NAWOJ calls on Nigerian women and youths to remain steadfast, focused and committed to nation-building.
We urge our women and young people to concentrate on building their careers, to equip themselves with relevant skills, knowledge and education that will better their lives, that of their communities and Nigeria as a whole. An empowered woman and a skilled youth are the greatest assets for national transformation.
We also call on Government at all levels to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity, alleviate the economic hardship facing Nigerians, create more opportunities for women and youth empowerment, and ensure that every Nigerian can live in peace and dignity.
On this auspicious occasion, we congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, all patriotic Nigerians and our colleagues in the media who continue to uphold the truth.
Happy 66th Independence Day to Nigerians across the globe.
Long Live NAWOJ
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
This was contained in a statement jointly issued by Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim National Chairperson NAWOJ and Wasilah Ibrahim Ladan, NAWOJ National Secretary.