From Blessing Mbonu, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has described the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) as a strong advocates of gender parity.
Banigo commended NAWOJ for consistently participating in the International Women Days activities.
The Deputy Governor who spoke during a curtsey visit by NAWOJ members, Rivers State chapter, to her office in Government House in Port Harcourt, stressed that the capacity building program which was organized to Identify and highlight the roles of women journalist especially in the areas of implementation of the Rivers state action plan on the United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 was very enlightening.
She noted that the document acknowledges the lopsided role that women and children take in conflicts, especially in the area of domestic violence.
The Deputy Governor urged NAWOJ to continue to highlight the roles of women journalist when it comes to disseminating the correct information that will engender peace building in the society and also highlight the roles women play in peace building in their various communities as well as the role women play in integrating the rights of women, children and girls.
Speaking on the state Governor’s encouragement to in politics, she said “I want to commend our Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for his gender sensitiveness and friendliness for not only picking a female deputy but for also encouraging women to come out and play the roles of vice chairmen in the 23 Local Government Areas”.
While congratulating the New Executives on their emergence at the polls, the Deputy Governor, also commiserated with NAWOJ on the sudden demise of Pastor Dafini Gogo Abbey and Mrs. Juliet Njiowhor whom she described as seasoned journalists.
Earlier in her her remarks the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Susan Serekara-Nwikhana informed the Deputy Governor that NAWOJ is the female arm of the Nigeria Union of Journalists saddled with the core mandate of ensuring the welfare of female journalists and championing the cause of women and girls.
She commended the Deputy Governor for working in synergy with the Governor to move Rivers State forward.
“NAWOJ is the female arm of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) saddled with the core mandate of ensuring the welfare of female journalists. We also champion the cause of women and girls, while making sure that vulnerable women and children in society have better lives.
“We also offer a platform for women in the society that are interested in taking up leadership positions in governance by giving them prominence using our various media houses such as the Print, Television, Radio and the social Media, among others.
“One of the objectives of this visit is to formally commend you for working in synergy with your boss, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, and for us; we want to say that you are the Best Deputy Governor in Nigeria”.
The NAWOJI chairperson further stated “Your Excellency, we commend in no small measure, your pet project, The Girl Child Initiative Project and express our sincere readiness to identify and partner with your vision in the growth and empowerment of girls in the State”.
