From Sani Gazas Chinade Damaturu
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Yobe State Chapter, has paid a courtesy visit to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Damaturu to strengthen collaboration in humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding and development communication.
In a press statement signed by Murjantu Hamisu Yelwa the state secretary of the association said, The delegation, led by the Chairperson, Zulai Musa Salisu, comprised members of the newly elected State Executive Council (EXCO).
The visit provided an opportunity to appreciate the Commission’s continued support to the association and explore ways to strengthen the existing partnership.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairperson commended the NEDC for its consistent provision of food items to NAWOJ members, describing the gesture as valuable, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges.
She also acknowledged the cordial relationship between the Commission and previous leaderships of the association, assuring that the new EXCO was committed to sustaining and building on the existing relationship.
She appealed to the Commission to continue involving NAWOJ in its programmes and interventions, noting that women journalists play an important role in communicating development initiatives and raising public awareness.
The Chairperson also requested the Commission’s support in training newly recruited female journalists in Yobe State to strengthen their professional skills and equip them for the demands of the profession.
Responding, the NEDC State Coordinator, Professor Ali Ibrahim Abbas, welcomed the delegation and congratulated the association on its successful transition to a new executive leadership.
He expressed optimism that both organisations would continue to work together in advancing development and supporting communities affected by years of insurgency in the North East.
Professor Abbas explained that the food assistance provided to NAWOJ formed part of the Commission’s humanitarian and peacebuilding mandate, aimed at supporting vulnerable households affected by economic hardship and the rising cost of living.
He encouraged beneficiaries to extend the gesture to other less privileged people within their communities.
The State Coordinator highlighted some of the Commission’s interventions across the region, including roads and bridges, schools, housing, water facilities and solar-powered streetlights. He noted that the security situation sometimes limited the publicity surrounding these projects, making the media’s role in public information and awareness particularly important.
On the request for capacity building, Professor Abbas acknowledged the need to strengthen the skills of women journalists, especially those newly recruited into the profession.
He assured the delegation that the request for training and professional development opportunities would be forwarded to the Commission’s management for consideration.