By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called on the state government and key stakeholders to uphold press freedom and ensure inclusive representation of media bodies, particularly women journalists.
This call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of NAWOJ’s monthly congress held on Monday, 12 May 2025, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council.
The communiqué, drafted by Comrades Hadiza Bello Abdullahi, Ruth Barnabas, and Rakiya Saminu Daura, and electronically signed by NAWOJ Secretary Maureen Sheyin, was made available to Elanza News on Wednesday.
The association urged the government to intensify efforts to include women journalists in official programmes, state functions, and policy discussions. NAWOJ said such inclusion is vital for fostering fair media representation and promoting equitable communication across all sectors.
NAWOJ commended the state government’s interventions in education, particularly the scholarships for indigent students across local government areas and the recent clearance of tuition fees for foreign students.
The communiqué also praised the inclusion of persons with disabilities in state empowerment initiatives, describing it as a sign of progressive and inclusive governance.
On employment, the association called for a strategic plan to tackle youth unemployment. It urged the government to create economic opportunities that support graduate employment and entrepreneurship, noting that such efforts would help curb poverty and enhance social stability.
The association lauded the state’s efforts in improving security and empowering women, noting that these initiatives have had positive impacts but called for their expansion to reach more vulnerable communities.
However, NAWOJ expressed concern over the continued exclusion of women journalists from state-sponsored pilgrimage slots for both Hajj and Jerusalem. The association noted that while other professional groups benefit from such opportunities, neither NAWOJ nor the NUJ has been considered.
It further condemned the recent exclusion of journalists from covering the Northern Governors’ meeting held in Kaduna, saying the move undermines press freedom and transparency.
NAWOJ insisted that such exclusions should not recur, and demanded equal access for all journalists—especially women—to public events of national and regional importance.
The association reiterated its commitment to advocating for equity, accountability, and the rights of women journalists across Kaduna State.
