..as Aiyedatiwa’s CPS vows continous support for association’s widows empowerment initiative

By Mary Agidi

The Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has inaugurated a new executive council to steer the affairs of the association for the next three years.

All the newly elected officers emerged unopposed and were officially presented with their certificates of return during a brief ceremony.

The new leadership includes Tola Gbadamosi of The Hope Newspaper as Chairperson; Tosin Ighoteguono of Radio Nigeria as Secretary; Sade Oladehinde from the Ministry of Information as Treasurer; Fisoye Adenitan of Radio Nigeria as Financial Secretary; and Abiola Ariyo of NTA as Auditor.

Speaking at the event, National President of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Bura, represented by the Vice President for B-Zone, Mrs. Deola Adekunle-Omosola, urged the new executives to prioritize the interest of the association and uphold its core mission of empowering female journalists and advocating for the welfare of women and vulnerable groups.

She also called for a bye-election to fill vacant positions within 90 days and encouraged the newly sworn-in officials to initiate meaningful programmes that would benefit both members and the broader society.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Comrade Leke Adegbite, congratulated the new leadership team on their re-election. He described the continuity as a step toward stability and charged them to maintain focus on women and children’s welfare.

Adegbite also commended the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, for his support to NAWOJ, particularly his assistance to widows through the association.

In his remarks, Prince Adeniyan appreciated NAWOJ for its partnership with his office and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting its activities. He promised to increase his contributions to the association’s widows’ empowerment programme, noting that leadership should be measured by impact on one’s immediate community.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Osun State, Mrs. Bisola Ariwodola, described the new mandate as a call to greater service. She encouraged the executives to strengthen the foundation of the association and leave a legacy of growth and development.

In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairperson, Tola Gbadamosi, who completed the previous tenure of her predecessor, expressed gratitude to members for their support and commitment.

“We’ve made remarkable progress in the past two years, from advocating for women journalists to supporting widows and defending the rights of children affected by gender-based violence,” she said.

She urged her fellow executives to remain dedicated as they continue working together to advance the cause of women in journalism and society at large.