By Princely Onyenwe, Abuja
It was a celebration galore for members, partners and well wishers of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ Imo state chapter as the Dorothy Nnaji-led state executives marked first year anniversary and award ceremony as reported by Nneoma Ahukanna.
The event with the theme, ” Career women in turbulent times”, was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists state Secretariate, New Owerri, on Friday, 17th June , and capped off with a Thanksgiving mass on Sunday, 19th June ,2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Aladinma.
The programme featured a lecture, good will messages, cultural dances by Omenimo group, and award presentation on some distinguished personalities.
In an address at the occasion, the Imo NAWOJ Chairman, Dr Mrs Dorothy Nnaji, detailed the journey so far taken by the new executives of the association since assumption to overcome initial hitches and challenges occassioned by past executives refusal to align with the new one. Dr Mrs Nnaji however appreciated that normalcy has been restored and urged all members to remain on the same page, no divisions, having one body ,one NAWOJ where everyone is given equal privileges, respect and dignity.
She outlined the achievements recorded by the association in the past year such as securing potent partnerships with some NGOs, held girl – child programmes, campaigned against gender based violence, menstrual hygiene products distribution, organized women’s day programme at the grass roots among others, as she appreciated the good will and support from the state government.
Also, speaking, the Chairman of the occasion Princess Miriam Onuoha, the Federal House of Representatives lawmaker for Okigwe North federal constituency, lauded the sterling leadership style of the NAWOJ Chairman and the positive impact of the association in the society, as she harped on the need for career women to address the problem of negative mindset, redefine themselves, and associate with friends that will help them succeed in their chosen profession.
The guest lecturer, and legislator for Isu state constituency in the Imo state house of Assembly, Hon Mrs. Ngozi Obiefule, delivering a lecture titled , “Career women in turbulent times”, made case for more active participation of women in politics, as she decried the non support for women aspirants by all the political parties, stressing that women compared favourably with the male counterparts in leadership, as she noted that the only difference between male and female was the sex organs.
She urged women not to see themselves as appendages, the wife or mother or daughter of so and so , but instead, forge a path for themselves,carve their own niche, excel in their chosen career, despite the challenges and turbulence of the present time.
Other good will messages included those from the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon Declan Emelumba who applauded the women Journalists for the feat recorded within a year in office, reiterating Governor Uzodinma’s high regard and support for media practitioners.
Others who spoke included the past and present Imo NUJ Chairmen, Sir Innocent Igwe, and Chief Chris Akaraonye who commended their female colleagues in the profession for their impact on society.
Also, The Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Mrs Love Ine, who was represented at the event, congratulated the Dorothy Nnaji – led Exco , which she noted was one of the best in NAWOJ history, being one that fosters love, and unity and also accords equal respect and treatment to every member of the association.
She wished them more successes and attainment of greater heights throughout their tenure and beyond.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of awards to seven distinguished personalities including the Speaker Imo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kennedy Ibe, Mrs Chikaodi Emenalom, Engr. Mark Uchendu, and Star Post Newspaper Editor, among others.
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