News
Rejig Security Architecture To Tame Insecurity, NAWOJ Tasks FG …Deplores State Of Roads, Rising Food Costs, Others … Sanctions Erring Officers
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture to address security challenges in different parts of the nation, while challenging all security agencies to be alive to their constitutional responsibilities to tame the ugly trend.
This is as the association also noted the deplorable condition of federal roads across the country, and appealed to the appropriate authorities to take urgent steps to fix the roads to avoid increasing road accidents and its attendant consequences.
It further called on the Federal Government to look into the rising cost of food items, cooking gas, building materials, among others, with a view to reducing the cost of living for citizens in the country, just as the association NEC frowned at the rising cases of gender-based violence, and stressed the need to ensure the workability of family courts to ensure justice for victims.
These positions were contained in a communiqué drafted by a committee Chaired by Dr. Dorathy Nnaji, with Rose Elishama as secretary and Nene Dung as member, at the end of NAWOJ NEC meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State on November 3 – 5, 2021, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt by its National Secretary, Helen Udofa, last Saturday.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), comprising members of the Central Working Committee (CWC), state chairpersons and secretaries of NAWOJ, met on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Nasarawa Luxury Hotel, Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.
The NAWOJ NEC meeting was preceded by a National Security Summit on the theme: “National Interest Amidst Insecurity: The Role of the Media” organised by the National Secretariat of NAWOJ at the same venue.
The communique read: “At the meeting, which was presided over by the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala, issues concerning our association and the state of the nation were discussed and the NEC in session resolved as follows:
“NEC in session commended Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule, for sponsoring, hosting and making the NEC Meeting in Lafia very comfortable for members.
“The NEC frowned at the indiscriminate issuance of awards to individuals by state chairpersons without recourse to the National Secretariat, warning that henceforth, all state chapters must liaise with the National Secretariat for approval before issuing any award.
“In view of accommodation challenges facing the National Secretariat of NAWOJ, NEC-in-session mandated the National President to apply to the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCTDA) for allocation of a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to NAWOJ for the construction of a National Secretariat Complex of NAWOJ.
“Following the stagnation of activities in Enugu State NAWOJ for one year now, due to the fact that the state chairperson is critically ill, among other issues raised against her, NEC directed the Chairperson of Enugu State NAWOJ, Chinyere Mgboh, to hand over the mantle of leadership to the vice chairperson within 14 days or face suspension.
“NEC-in-session ordered Rivers State NAWOJ Chairperson, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, to tender unreserved apologies to the National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, retracting all the derogatory and repugnant comments she posted on various social media platforms against the person of the NUJ President and the union during the period ahead of the NUJ Triennial National Delegates Conference in Umuahia, in October 2021. The apology, MUST also be published in all the social media platforms she posted her scandalous comments within seven days or face suspension.
“NEC-in-session suspended the immediate past chairperson of Imo State NAWOJ, Vivian Ottih, indefinitely, for still parading herself as chairperson of Imo State NAWOJ after she lost her re-election bid and despite a disclaimer issued against her by the National Secretariat on the matter. NEC resolved that, henceforth, if she continues to impersonate as Imo State chairperson of NAWOJ, she will be handed over to security operatives for necessary action.
“The NEC urged state chapters of NAWOJ to open bank accounts in the name of the association where none existed for proper financial accountability; create more visibility through laudable programmes, while all members must work hard for the progress of NAWOJ, and be mandatorily financially up-to-date.
“The NEC approved the inauguration of a three-man Ethics and Disciplinary Committee made up of the National Financial Secretary, Adeola Adekunle, as chairman and the Chairperson of Akwa Ibom NAWOJ, Uduak Utip Ekong as well as the Secretary of Kano State NAWOJ, Wasilah Ladan, as members, with a mandate to handle issues of indiscipline and gross misconduct.
“NEC resolved that state chapters must adopt all press releases issued by the National Secretariat on national issues, while press releases by state chapters must be limited to issues peculiar to the states. In addition, NEC barred state secretaries from calling for monthly congresses without the knowledge and approval of the state chairpersons.
“On the state of the nation: The issue of insecurity in the country caught the attention of NEC-in-session as it called on the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture to address security challenges in different parts of the nation.
“NEC also called on all security agencies to be alive to their constitutional responsibilities, especially in view of the Anambra State governorship election and IPOB sit-at-home order.
“NEC noted the deplorable condition of federal roads across the country, and appealed to the appropriate authorities to take urgent steps to fix federal roads to avoid increasing road accidents and its attendant consequences.
“NEC called on the Federal Government to look into the rising cost of food items, cooking gas, building materials, etc, with a view to reducing the cost of living for citizens in the country.
“NEC frowned at the rising cases of gender-based violence, and stressed the need to ensure the workability of family courts to ensure justice for victims”, the communiqué added.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.