By Justina Auta
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has called on stakeholders to address security challenges in communities across the North Central geopolitical zone to ensure food security.
Mrs Juliana Ofoku, Zonal Secretary of NAWOJ Zone D, made this statement on Friday in a communiqué issued at the end of its bi-monthly Zonal Executive meeting, which was held virtually.
Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, NAWOJ Zonal Vice President, stressed the urgency of taking action as the farming season was about to begin.
She emphasised the need for displaced persons to return home and cultivate their farms, which was critical to ensuring food security.
“NAWOJ commends the Federal Government for the recent decline in food prices.
“We call on authorities at all levels to implement policies and programmes that will sustain the downward trend and strengthen food security in the country.
“The association also extended congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary and urged NUJ President Alhassan Yahaya to fulfill his promise to sponsor a bill for a unified salary structure for media practitioners.
“This will significantly improve journalists’ welfare, alongside other initiatives being introduced by the NUJ leadership,” the communiqué read.
NAWOJ also lauded Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, its National Chairperson, for her collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) in mobilising support for the Her Seat in Parliament and Governancecampaign.
The association urged state chapters to actively support and publicise the initiative to enhance women’s participation in leadership and governance.
On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, NAWOJ reiterated its call for gender equality and increased women’s representation in governance.
The association also urged the government to implement the 35 per cent Affirmative Action commitment to promote women’s empowerment and gender equity.
Furthermore, NAWOJ called on all Nigerians to support efforts to accelerate gender equality across all sectors.
The meeting was attended by Zonal Secretary Juliana Ofoku, Zonal Trustee Annah Daniel, Ex-Officio Anne Olurinde, and various chapter chairpersons and secretaries.(NAN)
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