By Mayen Etim, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has lauded Governor Uba Sani’s interventions in the education sector, particularly the settlement of $247,235.84 (₦407.9 million) in outstanding tuition fees for state-sponsored students studying abroad, resolving a financial burden that had stranded many students.
The Association noted that the payment covered fees owed to foreign universities by the previous administration (2021-2023) and included all foreign tuition fees for Kaduna-sponsored students from 2023 to date.
NAWOJ equally praised the State Govt for the awards of scholarships to indigent students across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
This is contained in a communique issued after the Association’s monthly congress held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Kaduna on Monday.
The communique jointly signed by
Hadiza Bello Abdullahi and Ruth Barnabas, Chairman and Secretary respectively also appreciated the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), in its empowerment programmes, a testament to the state’s inclusive governance efforts.
These efforts are yielding positive impacts and should be sustained
NAWOJ however expressed deep dismay over the recent exclusion of journalists in the state from covering the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting held in Kaduna, which its noted such action undermined press freedom and the constitutional role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability.
It called on the Kaduna State Government and other stakeholders to uphold the principles of press freedom and ensure equitable representation of all media bodies equal rights and access for all journalists, to cover public events of national and regional importance in the state.
Women journalists should be actively included in programmes, state functions, and policy engagements to foster inclusive communication and fair media coverage.
NAWOJ also expressed concern over the continued exclusion of women journalists from state-sponsored pilgrimage slots for both Hajj and Jerusalem while other professional associations benefit from such opportunities, neither NAWOJ nor the NUJ has been considered.
It therefore appealed to the Kaduna State Government to ensure, women journalists are also recognized and included just as their counterparts in other associations in the state.
The association acknowledges and commends the improved state of security in Kaduna
The communique further reads: “The association acknowledges and commends the improved state of security in Kaduna as well as the government’s growing commitment to women empowerment.
“These efforts are yielding positive impacts and should be sustained and expanded to reach more women and vulnerable communities.
“While appreciating the strides made in the education and empowerment sectors, NAWOJ urges the government to intensify efforts in creating job opportunities for graduates. A strategic plan for youth employment and entrepreneurship support will significantly reduce poverty and enhance social stability.”
