By CHINYERE Nnaemeka


The Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of the State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru to congratulate her on her  election and inauguration as deputy governor.
The association led by its Chairperson, Dr. Dorothy Nnaji, PhD, embarked on the visit on Thursday at the office of the Deputy Governor in Owerri, the state capital.
Speaking, the Chairperson of the group,  who thanked the deputy governor for making out time to see them, congratulated her, saying that they are very much elated that a woman is manning such sensitive position.
 She used the occasion to appreciate the governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for being a gender friendly governor, and for considering  lady Chinyere Ekomaru for the position.
According to her, "we have come to fraternize with you, and to express our heartfelt  happiness that we have a great woman at  the helm of affairs of the state, to work hand in gloves with our governor towards consolidating the good works  whose foundation was laid in the first term. 
"We heartily congratulate you for not just emerging as the deputy governor of the State, but for also being the second woman that has been availed such opportunity in the history of the governance of the Imo State.
"For this, we will not fail to give credence to our dear Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma who has always been  gender friendly, and has ensured that women are given there pride of place in the state. 
Continuing, Dr Dorothy Nnaji said,   "We promise to give His Excellency and Your Excellency  all the necessary support   to excel in your duties, and also solicit for your partnership, just as we have with our amiable First Lady  and Patroness of our association, Barrister Mrs  Chioma Uzodimma,  who has been dogged in advancing the course of women, girls  and the less priveleged ones in our state.
"NAWOJ is an organization which delights in being the voice of the voiceless, especially for the female folk, and so we know that with the First lady and your humble self  being solidly behind us, the sky will always be our starting point". 
In response, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru appreciated the women, saying she was highly delighted to receive them.
Ekomaru followed suit in commending the First Lady of the State, saying that she has not just been a source of strength to her husband, the governor, but indeed a mother to Imolites, especially to the girl child and downtrodden in the state. 
She also in the same vein applauded the Governor of the State, who she said knowing the pertinence of women handling certain positions in the state, has been diligent in carrying the women folk along in his Government.
To NAWOJIANS, the deputy governor averred,  "we are news friendly because we know the import of your obligation to the state as female journalists,  which cannot be played down on.  
"So I want to assure you that I will work in synergy with the First lady of the State to give you all the necessary support  you need whenever you beckon on us".
The deputy governor further said,   "I also want to use this avenue to urge you all not to forget the place of God in our lives,  and  to always seek for his guidance, and most paramountly,  pray for him to give our Governor and his wife more wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state."