The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on Saturday issued a strong condemnation of the alleged harassment of Comrade Ladi Bala, the immediate past National Chairperson of the association, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
In a statement signed by Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson, and Comrade Wasilah Ladan, National Secretary, NAWOJ demanded a public apology from Mr. Opeifa.
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According to the statement NAWOJ insisted that apology, must be published in more than one national daily and aired on at least one electronic media outlet, either radio or television.
The association also called for concrete measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Furthermore, NAWOJ expressed deep concern over what it described as the “demeaning” of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the media organization where Comrade Bala serves.
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The association stated that an apology should also be extended to NTA, recognizing its status as a foremost media institution in Nigeria.
“This statement underscores the importance of press freedom and journalists’ safety in promoting transparency and accountability,” the release noted.
“We assert that the wellbeing and protection of our members is of paramount importance and interest to us,” the statement emphasized. “We ask the MD to, as a matter of urgency, do the needful.”
The association reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of women journalists across the country and called on stakeholders in the media and public service sectors to uphold the dignity and safety of all journalists.
