Former NAWOJ President seeks women empowerment, better security

FormerAs Nigeria steps into 2026, former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Fatimah Ajibola Kareem-Adigun, has issued a clarion call for greater empowerment of women journalists and enhanced security measures across the country.

In her New Year message, Kareem-Adigun, who also served as former Vice President of the Gender Council at the International Federation of Journalists, celebrated the resilience of Nigerian women while highlighting the persistent challenges they face in professional and societal spheres.

Kareem-Adigun praised Nigerian women for their unwavering strength in the face of economic pressures, social challenges, insecurity, and inequality. “Your contributions; often unsung but deeply felt are shaping the present and securing the future of our country,” she said, acknowledging the critical role women play in nation-building.

The veteran journalist particularly commended women journalists who serve as both communicators and advocates, noting that they have proven their worth despite facing what she described as a “double burden” – professional hazards compounded by gender-based discrimination, harassment, insecurity, and limited access to leadership opportunities.

Rejecting passivity in the face of inequality, Kareem-Adigun emphasized that women cannot “just sit down, fold their arms and expect men to spoon-feed them with equal opportunities.” She challenged NAWOJ leadership to consider concrete initiatives to further empower women journalists in Nigeria.

Also Read: NAWOJ urges better security, flood prevention measures

“To women generally, how can Nigerian women leverage the opportunities in the new year to build stronger networks and support systems? Let’s think about it,” she urged, encouraging proactive engagement rather than waiting for change to be granted.

The former NAWOJ president expressed serious concerns about Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, describing the continuation of banditry and terrorism as “disheartening” despite substantial defense and security allocations over the years, which she attributed to corruption and sabotage.

She broadened the definition of insecurity beyond terrorism to include armed robbery and random kidnapping, which she said remain “serious headache to ordinary Nigerians.” Kareem-Adigun recalled the tragic death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a female journalist who jumped to her death attempting to escape a robbery attack at her Katampe, Abuja residence.

“I hereby call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Nigeria’s security apparatus to be far more proactive going forward,” she stated, emphasizing the need for greater vigilance and commitment to protecting lives and properties.

While acknowledging ongoing collaboration with America in fighting insecurity, Kareem-Adigun stressed that more comprehensive efforts are needed to ensure peace, security, and stability across Nigeria.

The journalist extended condolences to communities and families who have lost loved ones to various security incidents across the country, praying for the repose of victims’ souls and fortitude for those left behind.

She also sympathized with boxing champion Anthony Joshua over a recent road accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, praising the athlete for consistently putting “Nigeria on world’s map of greatness.”

Kareem-Adigun’s message emphasized that nation-building requires collective effort, understanding, and tolerance. She implored Nigerians to demonstrate greater patriotism and to “ignite the flame of hope within our hearts and share it with others.”

“Let us step into the new year with hope in our hearts, unity in our actions, and resilience in the face of adversity. May 2026 be a year of healing, growth, and the beginning of a brighter future for Nigeria,” she concluded, extending best wishes to President Tinubu and all Nigerian citizens at home and abroad.

NAWOJ, as an organization representing women journalists across Nigeria, continues to advocate for press freedom, gender equity, and ethical journalism while working to amplify the voices of women and girls in Nigerian society.

Crediblenewsng.com