https://www.facebook.com/309602846063760/

AK NAWOJ, Uyo (2025)

23/06/2025

NAWOJ Takes GBV Sensitisation to St Mary's Catholic Church

UYO

By Edidiong Obot

The message of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law was taken to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Obio Offot, Abak Road Flyover, during the monthly meeting of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) and Catholic Men Organization 6:30am (CMO).

Speaking during the sensitisation, the State Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Mary Ekere enlightened members on how to identify GBV, referrals, where to report GBV cases and the contents of the VAPP Law, with emphasis on its penalties for offenders.

Reinforcing the importance of the message, the NAWOJ State Chairperson stressed that GBV concerns everyone and should be addressed in every sphere of society. She noted that brothers, uncles and cousins can be potential perpetrators, hence the need for widespread awareness. She urged parents and guardians to educate their children and grandchildren, emphasizing that collective efforts are required to create a safe environment.

In their reactions, the women expressed heartfelt appreciation and appealed to the NAWOJ team to extend the sensitization campaign to public secondary, primary, and nursery schools. They noted that many of the listed offenses in the VAPP Law are committed due to ignorance of the law.

The President of the Catholic Women Organisation, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhenke thanked the NAWOJ team for educating the women on the VAPP Law and encouraged them to sustain the effort.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Catholic Men Organisation 6:30am (CMO), Mr. Lawrence Edet Patrick expressed gratitude to NAWOJ for the eye-opening session. "Though we were aware of some of these issues, we did not have such an in-depth understanding. Thank you for taking the time to educate us", he said.

As part of the sensitisation, some IEC materials were distributed to the Organisations including copies of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law while the team gave phone numbers to call and the office to report any of such cases.

23/06/2025

NAWOJ Creates Awareness on GBV, Sues for Peace, Harmony in Society

Mary Ekere, NAWOJ

In an effort to help stem the spate of violence perpetrated against persons in the State, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ Akwa Ibom State has created awareness on issues of Gender Based Violence.

Collaborating the Ministry of Justice on the ongoing Gender Based Violence Awareness Month with the theme, United Against Violence: Celebrating 5 Years of VAPP Law in Akwa Ibom State, NAWOJ undertook Market Sensitisation on Saturday, 21st June, 2025 to Urua Ebod along Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Road and Urua Mbierebe at Ibesikpo Asutan.

The team was led by the Chairman, Comrade Nsikak Okon who educated the market community on issues of GBV, how to identify GBV, how and where to report and gain justice and the relevant law used in prosecuting such cases.

The Chairman was accompanied by the immediate past National Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Helen Udofa alongside other Executives and members who took turns in addressing various issues of GBV.

Receiving the team at Urua Ebod, the Market Chairman, Mr Enefiok Okon appreciated the team for bringing the gospel against GBV to the market. He condemned the rate of violence perpetrated against persons and called for intensive enlightenment while promising to do his bid in ensuring that violence is not perpetrated at the market.

Meanwhile, a case of GBV was received with follow-up and appropriate referrals underway.

23/06/2025

DISPLACED WIDOW SEEKS GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC INTERVENTION IN UYO

Introduction

A widow, Mrs. Comfort Okon Ekpenyong of Nung Nsoh Akpan, Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, has cried out for help following her displacement by her late husband’s family. She made the appeal during a visit by the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by the State Chairperson, Comrade Nsikak Okon.

The Widow’s Ordeal

Narrating her ordeal, Mrs. Ekpenyong said she was victimized by her husband’s siblings after his death. While she was at Anton Clinic, Obio Imo, delivering her third daughter, the siblings allegedly sold eight plots of land belonging to her late husband.

“They lied to the buyers that they needed the money to pay my hospital bills for me to be discharged. But Dr. Edem did not ask me for any money; instead, he and his wife provided everything I needed for the child,” she recounted.

After selling off the land, the siblings allegedly used the proceeds to buy properties for themselves, leaving Mrs. Ekpenyong and her three daughters destitute. Efforts to secure shelter led her to build a mud house in 2015, which was destroyed by a storm in 2021. She now prepares fufu in an open space by day and sleeps in an uncompleted building provided by a friend of her late husband.

Voices from the Community

Neighbours and residents of the area expressed concern over the widow’s condition.
Mr. Clement Akpan said:
“Each day I pass by, I feel for this woman. If anyone deserves help, it is her. I appeal to the government and kind-hearted individuals to assist her.”

Mrs. Mabel Michael Nyah, a neighbor, added:
“She has gone through so much. She feeds herself and her children from her fufu business. Her thatched house was destroyed by the rain. I pray God sends her helpers.”

The woman who provides her night shelter explained that they could not bear to see Mrs. Ekpenyong exposed to the rain and offered their uncompleted room as refuge at night.

Village Head’s Position

The Village Head of Nsukara Offot, Etteidung Eyo Asukwo Esen, expressed dismay over the situation. He stated that he was not aware of the widow’s plight until the NAWOJ visit.

“As the first Village Head to implement the VAPP Law in this area, I believe both male and female children have equal rights to their parents’ property. If she had reported to me, we would have acted. When you share your problem, we can act, but if you don’t, no one will know,” he said.

He condemned the actions of the late husband’s siblings and assured that such injustices are not tolerated in his domain.

NAWOJ’s Appeal

At the moment, Madam Comfort has secured the only land by staying there and doing her daily business, despite her condition. She is not folding her hands rather has business that attract empowerment.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to: assist in providing her and her children with a decent place of abode

Secure the widow’s remaining land from further encroachment

NAWOJ emphasized that urgent intervention would help restore dignity and stability to Mrs. Ekpeyong’s family.

Media Team
AK NAWOJ
20.06.25

15/06/2025

15th June, 2025.

Our dear Fathers,

Beyond donating s***m to procreate life, you have selflessly given your all to nurture, protect, and provide for your families.

Your unwavering support, guidance, and love have been the bedrock of strength for us and many families to thrive. We deeply appreciate and pray God to continually bless you.

To the many NAWOJians who have taken up the roles of a father in their various homes, we salute you and pray for more strength.

Your sacrifices of love, often unseen and unappreciated, have not gone unnoticed. We see and recognise your efforts. We appreciate them as well. We will keep supporting you to achieve your dreams.

Happy Father's Day.

Signed:
Comrade Nsikak Okon,
Chairman.

31/03/2025

NAWOJ Akwa Ibom Elects New Leadership at 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has successfully conducted its 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference and Election, ushering in a new executive council to steer the affairs of the association.

The election which held in Uyo on Monday, March 31, 2025, was conducted under the leadership of the Comrade Grace Udoma-led Electoral Committee, which was commended for ensuring a smooth and transparent process.

In a show of unity and consensus, all executive members were returned unopposed, reflecting the confidence reposed in them by the association’s members. Comrade Nsikak Okon emerged as Chairperson, with Comrade Udeme Hosea as Vice Chairperson and Comrade Mary Ekere as Secretary.

Other elected officials include Comrade Nsisong Ben as Assistant Secretary, Comrade Vivian Essiet as Treasurer, Comrade Patience Matthew as Financial Secretary, and Comrade Joy Ubani as Auditor.

In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairperson, Comrade Nsikak Okon, expressed gratitude to NAWOJ members for their trust and pledged to work towards the advancement of women journalists in the state.

The event was witnessed by notable dignitaries, including NAWOJ Zonal Vice Chairperson for Zone F, Comrade Stella Macaulay; Zonal Ex-Officio member, Comrade Timi Idoko; a member of the NAWOJ Board of Trustees (BOT), Comrade Uduak Ekong and the Secretary of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Dominic Akpan.

With their inauguration, the new leadership is expected to build on past achievements and further the cause of women journalists in Akwa Ibom State.

© AK-NAWOJ MEDIA

16/03/2025

NUJ @70: Nigeria Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ ) Celebrates A Frontline Union and its Dynamic Leadership

The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, hereby joins the rest of humanity to heartily congratulate the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and felicitate with the leadership and members of the union across zones and state councils on the attainment of the age of 70, a remarkable milestone in our chequered history as a union.

We have grown in leaps and bounds, and there is no doubt, there will be greater and even more continous growth, healthy solidarity, camaraderie and professional growth of members, informed by a union that is firmly rooted and mindful of the needs of its members, as exemplified by the candour and fatherly disposition of the team led by our capacity-driven President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya ably supported by the first ever female Deputy National President, Dr. Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde.

We are proud of the union bequeathed to us by our Founding Fathers and we remain proud of the union we have all teamed up to build today.

It is our sincere prayer that the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will continue to show our revered union and its leadership the right direction towards attaining more glorious years of impactful achievements and in meeting its mandate to groom well-rounded membership, one that is committed to the ethics of the profession in the discharge of the primary tasks of information dissemination, members equally committed to our national integrity as a nation by upholding and balancing the tripod of national unity, peace and progress of all.

NAWOJ particularly expresses her deep appreciations to the number one journalist in Nigeria, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya for taking up a frontal role with members of his team in hitting the ground running and leading the union towards stardom and excellence since its assumption of office.

Once again, we reaffirm our implicit trust in your exemplary leadership and pray for your tenure to be peaceful and productive.

We also pray for God's protection to all members and their families as they go about their responsibilities of being news managers.

We also pray for the peace, unity and progress of our nation Nigeria.

Congratulations, once more, to all of us!

Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim
National Chairperson

08/03/2025

NAWOJ Akwa Ibom State will stop at nothing in beaming her light and telling the stories of women to the best of her capacity, in order to Accelerate Actions towards gender equity and social inclusion.

Happy 2025 International Women's Day Celebration.

29/01/2025

Akwa Ibom NAWOJ Seeks Collaboration with Police to Enhance Security, Gender Equality

Mary Ekere

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ Akwa Ibom State led by her Chairman, Comrade Nsikak Okon has paid a courtesy visit on the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

At the visit, Comrade Nsikak Okon emphasised the importance of collaboration between NAWOJ and the State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force, highlighting the Association's efforts in empowering women, reporting on gender issues, and promoting social justice.

She also called on the police to strengthen security measures in the state.

"NAWOJ as a Non-Governmental Organisation has engaged in several activities ranging from empowerment of women across the various facets of life including wives of Policemen and Army; helped the downtrodden and undertaken other societal issues.

"As an Association of professional Reporters, we have also been able to beam our reporting light on issues of gender based violence and we will do more in the days ahead.

"In commemorating the International Women's Day which is celebrated globally every March 8, we are working towards holding a programme that will impact on more lives in the State.

"We will be happy to have the State Police Command partner us in our programmes and do not hesitate in reaching out to us where and when necessary too", said the NAWOJ Chairman.

Comrade Nsikak Okon also congratulated the CP on his elevation as the Commissioner of Police, also for optimising security networks in the State and his gender-friendly disposition to work.

In response, Commissioner Azare assured NAWOJ of his commitment to gender mainstreaming and addressing gender-based issues. He pledged to maintain a safe and secure environment, reduce corruption, and support the NAWOJ's initiatives.

Azare also announced plans to inaugurate a female police squad after rigorous training, who will also engage in combatting crime.

Comrade Helen Udofa, immediate past National Secretary of NAWOJ in a vote of thanks, commended the Commissioner of Police for his achievements, particularly in reducing crime rates in the State.

She urged him to intervene in the ongoing farmers-herders crises and scavengers' issues to mitigate their impacts on the State.

The courtesy visit underscores NAWOJ's dedication to promoting gender equality, social justice, and collaboration with security agencies to ensure a safer and more equitable Akwa Ibom State.

14/01/2025

BOT South South Zone: Akwa Ibom NAWOJ Congratulates Uduak Utip Ekong on Appointment

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Chapter has celebrated Comrade Uduak Ekong on her recent appointment as Member, Board of Trustees, South South Zone.

The Chairman, Comrade Nsikak Okon while presenting a congratulatory message, informed attendees that Comrade Uduak Ekong was appointed a BOT member at the National Executive Council meeting held at Kano State on 12th December, 2024.

Part of the letter read: "we are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to you on your distinguished appointment as a Trustee, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Zone F.

"This prestigious honour attests to your exemplary leadership, visionary expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence and we are very certain that your contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of NAWOJ and inspire meaningful impacts beyond the Zone".

The Chairman also expressed the Chapter's gratitude to the National President, Comrade Aisha Bura and the entire Executives for the confidence in the capacities of the immediate past Chairman.

14/01/2025

NAWOJ Akwa Ibom Ratifies Mary Ekere as Secretary

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Chapter has ratified Comrade Mary Ekere as the Secretary of the Association.

The ratification follows a motion adopted by members at the January's meeting held at NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo on Tuesday, 14th January, 2025.

Ratifying Mary Ekere as Secretary, the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Nsikak Edmund Okon said the new Secretary has demonstrated capacity in running the office as Assistant Secretary and Acting Secretary in the last four months hence, the necessity for the ratification.

The Chairman's position was upheld by the House following a motion on the need for the ratification earlier moved by Comrade Mfon Hanson, the Assistant Secretary of NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council and seconded by Comrade Glory James.

Speaking too, the immediate past National Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Helen Udofa said it was right that the Secretary's office be filled and the Assistant Secretary stepped up as Secretary having been efficient in handling the secretarial affairs.

Accepting the new role, Comrade Mary Ekere appreciated NAWOJians for finding her worthy to man the office. She pledged her commitment and dedication to ensuring the continuous growth of the Association.

14/01/2025

Akwa Ibom NAWOJ Credentials Committee Inaugurated

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter has inaugurated its Credentials Committee to oversee and ensure a credible election process for the association scheduled for March, 2025.

The inauguration exercise was performed by the Chairman of NAWOJ, Comrade Nsikak Okon on Tuesday January 14, 2025 during the January meeting of the association held at the NUJ Press Center, Uyo.

The Committee is made up of Comrade Grace Udoma as Chairman, Comrade Mfon Hanson, Secretary and Comrade Aniema Ubom as Member.

Members of the Committee were tasked with the responsibility of verifying eligibility of candidates, and ensuring compliance with NAWOJ's electoral guidelines.

The NAWOJ Chairman, Comrade Nsikak Okon and the immediate past National Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Helen Udofa congratulated the members of the electoral committee and urged them to conduct credible elections.

Addressing the Committee, the immediate past National Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Helen Udofa urged them to be fair to every member who will be aspiring for any position and ensure that the election is credible.

Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Grace Udoma appreciated NAWOJians for the opportunity given to them to serve and pledged to execute their duties diligently to safeguard the Association's credibility and reputation.

Highpoint of the January meeting was the ratification of Comrade Mary Ekere's position as the Secretary of Akwa Ibom State NAWOJ.

18/11/2023

Thank YOU Great NAWOJians for your support to Helen Udofa
Let’s do it again November 25.

AK NAWOJ

23/06/2025

23/06/2025

23/06/2025

15/06/2025

31/03/2025

16/03/2025

08/03/2025

29/01/2025

14/01/2025

14/01/2025

14/01/2025

18/11/2023

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category