Following the recent election of the National Association of Women journalists, NAWOJ, Ebonyi state chapter, Miss Nkechinyere Oginyi has emerged the new chairman.

The Newly Elected chairman,  a correspondent of orient daily Newspaper and a reporter with Citizens Advocate Newspaper, Abakaliki emerged unopposed in the election, held at Dr Sam Egwu press center Abakaliki on Friday 14th may 2021 .

In her acceptance speech, Miss Oginyi reiterated that her vision was to take NAWOJ to higher level of progress through transparent leadership and to bring unity amongst members of the Union,

She added that she will join hands with other elected executives in taking the State NAWOJ to a higher level further appreciating  the support and confidence reposed on her by members of the union.

According to her, ”Today, I want to assure you of my commitment to making Ebonyi State NAWOJ a flagship organization that every female journalist in the state would be proud to belong. Together with other newly elected executive members, we shall strive to reposition the Ebonyi State chapter of NAWOJ to be able to address the needs and challenges of practicing female journalists in the state as well as undertake social responsibility initiatives aimed at assisting rural and indigent women and children in the state.

“NAWOJ under my leadership will continue to fight for justice, transparency, and equality for Ebonyi women and girls as well as work with relevant government and non-governmental organizations and philanthropists to assist indigent women and girls, especially victims of rape, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, and other harmful traditional practices.

“My vision is also to take NAWOJ to the next level by empowering female journalists in the state with adequate training and refresher courses, seminars, etc as well as ensuring that their fundamental rights were not infringed upon by their employers or in the course of their jobs. We will stand by our members through thick and thin.

“We will also strive to build and maintain cordial working relationships with the state government, NGOs, religious bodies, and Traditional Rulers in other to provide a conducive environment for our members to thrive. But that will not stop us from maintaining our WATCHDOG posture as major stakeholders of the Fourth Estate of the Realm”

The new Chairman called for collaborative support to achieve the set vision and goals.

“To achieve these and other goals we have set for ourselves, I wish to appeal for your corporation and support at all times. We cannot make desired progress without your support. Let us work together as professional sisters united under a common goal. I pledge to operate an open-door policy and to work with members. So, don’t hesitate to come forward with suggestions on how best we can move this noble group forward” she appealed.

In her remarks, the outgoing chairman of the Association  in Ebonyi State, Mrs Fortunate Ozo implored members to be in cordial relationship with each other. According to her, unity was needed for the union to progress. She recalled her experiences while serving as the Chairman of NAWOJ, stating that it was a privileged to have completed her tenure.

She however advised the new elected leaders to serve the union with all their heart and prayed God to see them through .

Secretary of NUJ in Ebonyi State, Comrade Nnamdi Akpa assured the new State NAWOJ leaders that NUJ was with them and urged the new elected executive to show good example of leadership.

In an interview, Mrs Nnenna Beneth from radio Nigeria unity FM Abakaliki who was elected as the vice chair person of NAWOJ, described her election as a call to service. She prayed God to give them the grace to lead women journalists in the State.

One of the guest and the State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) Mrs. Loveth Odah congratulated the new elected chairman and thanked members of NAWOJ for their support.

Other member of the association including Angela Nwaeze and Amarachi Egwuagha said the election was very peaceful ,they congratulated the new leaders and wished them well in their new office

The election had in attendance female journalists in Ebonyi state. NUJ observers and NAWOJ delegates from the zonal and national level.