By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ FCT today at the NUJ Council celebrated and recognized outstanding Nigerian women who have contributed to the development of he country at the median edition of the NAWOJ Hangout.
The NAWOJ Hangout is a monthly meeting to honour and appreciate women in recognition of their contributions to the development of the country and in the lives of other women.
Among those honoured today were Mama Market , Chief Mrs Felicia Sanni, Barrister Esther Uzoma, former NAWOJ President Evelyn Oyinlo, NAWOJ President Ifeyinwa Omowole, Honourable Nkeiruka Oyejiocha and ActionAid Nigeria for their contributions towards empowering Nigerian women at the grassroots across the nation.
Giving a Keynote address on ” Giving Women a Voice, country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ms Ene Obi called on women irrespective of their challenges to always celebration themselves first.
“The time is right for women to have a voice, the time is right for women’s unity.” she said.
Obi said that the program should be an avenue to connect women to one another, adding that they should support each other.
She advised women against the pull down syndrome, noting that if they unite they have a voice for election.
She said, “assist young women, sisters should need to network for each other”
Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene, in her welcome address said that the Hangout is designed to be a monthly program in the FCT and it is aimed at Celebrating women and to give honour to whom honour is due while adding value to women folks at large.
“No meaningful development will happen in any society without the input and contributions of women, their roles at various homes and society cannot be overemphasize” She added that for this reason women who have paid their dues and still doing so are called upon to share their experiences with others and to impact on the younger generation who see them as role models.
Chairman of NUJ FCT who chaired the occasion noted that women are given as gift to men and that they are the emotional stability of every family and also urged them to play the role they are created for.