The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has demanded urgent government action to tackle the rising insecurity and worsening condition of major highways across the country.
This formed part of the resolutions reached at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from November 21 to 23, 2025, at Owerri, Imo State.
The 2nd statutory NEC meeting, chaired by NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha K. Bura, brought together national officers, state chairpersons and secretaries, as well as zonal leaders.
With the theme “Amplifying Change: The Media, Legislation, and the Advancement of Women,” the meeting featured a lecture delivered by the Clerk and Head of Service of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chinelo Emeghara, Esq., who charged women journalists to intensify public engagement on gender-related laws to ensure their implementation.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, represented by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, commended the media for its role in promoting accountability and good governance.
He urged NAWOJ members to remain catalysts for gender equality, inclusive governance, and protection of women’s rights.
Other dignitaries who addressed delegates included the wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma; National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya; Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba; and the President of the League of Women Voters, Mrs. Irene Awunah.
The meeting reviewed NAWOJ’s activities, programmes, and progress on the “Her Seat in Parliament” campaign undertaken in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV).
It also assessed the national climate, challenges facing women in journalism, and broader issues affecting the country.
In its communiqué, NEC expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodinma for hosting the gathering and acknowledged the state’s ongoing infrastructural projects, pledging continued collaboration in amplifying Imo’s development efforts.
The Council condemned the escalating insecurity, including kidnappings and killings in Kwara and Kebbi states, and the rising cases of child abductions and sexual violence in the northern region.
It described the trend as a grave threat to national stability and called on security agencies to intensify intelligence operations, rescue victims, and ensure swift prosecution of perpetrators.
NEC also voiced serious concern about the deplorable condition of major highways nationwide, which it said have become “death traps,” exposing commuters, especially women to robbery, kidnapping, and accidents.
It urged both Federal and State Governments to prioritise road rehabilitation, improve highway security patrols, and deploy surveillance technology to safeguard road users.
The association appreciated the presence and solidarity of the NUJ leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote ethical journalism, professionalism, and increased representation of women in leadership.
The communiqué drafting committee was chaired by Comrade Adeola Adekunle (Vice President, Zone B), with Comrade Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, Comrade Uduak Ekong, and Felicia Amos Dauda as members.
PR: Khadija Kubau
