Imo NAWOJ Hosts First NEC Meeting in South East

By Christiana Nnaemeka

The Imo State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), under the leadership of Dr Dorothy Nnaji, JP, has made history as the first state in the South East to host the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

They received a gift from the National Leadership for achieving such feat.

The meeting, held from November 21 to 23, 2025, at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri, brought together delegates from across the country, including Governor Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaro, among other dignitaries.

The NEC, comprising national officers, state chairpersons and secretaries, and zonal officers, held its second statutory meeting under the chairmanship of the National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha K. Bura, with the theme “Amplifying Change: The Media, Legislation, and the Advancement of Women.”

Governor Uzodimma, represented by Deputy Governor Ekomaro, reiterated the importance of the media in promoting transparency and accountability in governance, and encouraged NAWOJ members to continue championing gender equality, equity, and inclusive leadership.

The Guest lecturer, Chinelo Emeghara Esq., Clerk and Head of Service of the Imo State House of Assembly, urged women journalists to deepen awareness of legislative provisions that impact women and children to enhance implementation.

Others who addressed the gathering included the wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Nkechi Ugwu; National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya; the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba; and the National President of the League of Women Voters, Mrs. Irene Awunah.

According to a communique issued at the end of the NEC which was signed by Comrade Adeola Adekunle (Vice President, B Zone, Southwest), Comrade Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi (Secretary, Ebonyi State), Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika (Chairperson, Anambra State), Comrade Uduak Ekong (BOT Member, Akwa Ibom State), and Felicia Amos Dauda (Member):

“NEC expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for hosting delegates from the 36 states and the FCT, and commended the ongoing infrastructural projects of his administration, pledging partnership in projecting the state’s developmental efforts.

“The meeting reviewed the activities, programmes, challenges, achievements, and the way forward for NAWOJ, with focus on the state of the nation, the challenges facing women in the profession, the progress made on the “Her Seat in Parliament” campaign, carried out by NAWOJ in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV).

“NEC also reviewed other key issues affecting Nigeria, and the activities, programmes, challenges and achievements of NAWOJ, and after comprehensive deliberations, resolved as follows:

“NEC expresses profound gratitude to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for graciously hosting women journalists from the 36 states and the FCT, and for the warm hospitality extended throughout the meeting.

“NEC commends the numerous ongoing infrastructural projects by the Uzodimma-led administration and pledges NAWOJ partnership in projecting the state’s developmental milestones.

” NEC strongly condemns the increasing wave of insecurity across the country, particularly the recent killings and abduction of citizens in Kwara State, the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and rising cases of child kidnapping and the rape of minors, including young boys and women in the northern region of the Country.

“NEC views these incidents as grave threats to national safety and calls on security agencies and relevant authorities to act swiftly, intensify intelligence operations, ensure the immediate rescue of victims, and bring perpetrators to justice without delay.

“NEC stands in firm solidarity with mothers and families whose children have been abducted, harmed, or traumatized by these heinous crimes. The association insists that every Nigerian child deserves full protection and dignity.

“NEC expresses deep concern over the deteriorating condition of Nigeria’s major highways, where insecurity and poor road infrastructure have combined to endanger the lives of citizens. The Association notes that many major roads across the country have become *death traps*, worsening travel time and exposing commuters – especially women, to heightened risks of robbery, kidnapping, and fatal accidents, the deplorable state of the roads contributing to economic hardship, which hinders emergency response, and undermines national cohesion.

“NEC calls on the Federal and State Governments, as well as relevant agencies to urgently rehabilitate and reconstruct major roads, strengthen highway security patrols, deploy surveillance technology, and ensure safer mobility for Nigerians.

“NEC appreciates the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and his delegation to NEC for their steadfast solidarity with NAWOJ during the meeting. The Council reaffirms its commitment to deepening collaboration with the NUJ and other media stakeholders.

“NEC pledges to jointly pursue initiatives aimed at elevating professional standards, promoting ethical journalism, and amplifying the leadership and impact of women journalists nationwide.”