By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
As the National Woman Journalists Triennial Delegates Conference is forthcoming by November 25, 2023, the National President of the association, Comrade Ladi Bala, who is contesting for second tenure, has rolled out her achievement for her first 3-year term (2020 - 2023), and assured NAWOJIANS in Imo State of achieving greater feats for the association if reelected.
The National President gave the assurance on Wednesday, when she visited Imo NAWOJIANS with her team, at the new NUJ Press Centre in New Owerri, Imo State capital.
Ladi Who appreciated the women Journalists for the warmth reception accorded to them, stated, "three years ago when NAWOJIANS gave me their mandate, and voted me in as their National President, I made four cardinal promises of what to do for the association which I am here to present my report card on that.
"One of it is was to restore back the image and integrity of NAWOJ which was nothing to write home about at that moment, another was to ensure we are recognized across the country, have an office where we will be operating from, secure a landed property where we will build a permanent National Secretariat for NAWOJ.
"Today, I am elated to say that by the grace of God, and with a heart full of gratitude that we did not fail on these promises, but were able to achieve them all, and more.
"I have been in NAWOJ, and have served in diverse capcities, as an Auditor, Assistant Secretary, two time Chairperson, National Secretary for two term, and now the National President. So all those years I have served has opened my eye to many gaps that needed to be filled.
"As a National Secretary then, my predecessor served for the first three years, the second three years, and left NAWOJIANS with nothing other than the sad story of our integrity being dragged in the mud.
"So when we came on board it became our utmost prioty to regain our image, both internally and externally, and this we embarked on vigorously by engaging non governmental organizations; by fixing programmes we invited them to be part of it at the National level. From there, the people started seeing the association from the positive light, and that was how today we were able to redeem the image of the association as it now accepted, appreciated, and recognized not just in the country but worldwide.
"We became consistent with the vision, and today we now have a National Secretary, successfully organized National events; 32nd Anniversary of NAWOJ, National Security Summit, and National Prayers for the Peace of Nigeria.
"We were able to hold six CWC Meetings in Abuja, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Katsina, Katsina State, Asaba, Delta State, Ilorin, Kwara State, Abakalike, Ebonyi State, and had Several Virtual Meetings
"We held NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) Meetings at Nasarawa state, Katsina state, Delta state, Kwara state, and also Virtual ones.
"Currently, NAWOJ is in partnership with reputable NGOs such as ActionAid Nigeria, CUSO, Lawyers Alert, Albino Foundation, Solidarity Center, Kuka Foundation, She Forum, Pathfinder and International
"We took part in issuing of press statements on burning issues of national importance, held robust media engagements and appearances to give NAWOJ visibility and enhanced credibility, organised protest rally on sexual harassment in UNICAL, Cross Rivers State in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria on women's voice and leadership project funded by Global Affairs Canada, among others
"I work with Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, and my office envisaging how eager I was to grow NOWAJ relieved of my job for this past three years to focus on achieving my vision for the association. So I had no reason not to justify that confidence reposed in me by them, and NAWOJIANS.
"All these we are doing for the future; for you and our future NAWOJIANS. So give us your mandate ones again and I assure you of our coming back here with greater testimony of what God will use us and do for NAWOJ,' Ladi assured'.
She in the same vein, urged the women Journalists to vote all her team members some of who came with her for the visit; Folake Ade-Adeniji for Vice President, Joyce Haruna for National Internal Auditor and others; Helen Udofa (National Secretary) and Bulak Afsa for National Assistant Secretary, saying that she needs them to succeed.
Responding, the Imo State NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs Nnaji Dorothy, PhD, who described the National President as a woman of substance that has transformed NAWOJ, and brought it to the lime light of making it a household name in the Federation.
Nnaji who stated that they have seen her good works, and knows that she has more to offer, assured her of Imo NAWOJIANS being solidly behind her reelection come November 25, 2023.
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