By Lucy Ogalue

Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has honoured 19 Nigerians including Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, FCT for their outstanding contributions to the growth of journalism.

Also honoured were Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Abuja and Mrs Ese Ekama-Williams, Assistant-Editor-In-Chief News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recognition was part of the activities lined up for the 2025 conference of NAWOJ Zone D which held in Abuja.

The NAWOJ Zone D comprises all the states in the North-Central geo-political zone which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and Federal Capital Territory.

The event with the theme: “Curbing Insecurity: The Role of Female Journalists in National Security” attracted female journalists from all the constituent states and other notable Nigerians.

Also honoured were past national officials among them, Mrs Biliquees Olademeji, former deputy national president, Usena Banshika Akila and Lucy Chidaba both former national secretaries.

Others were Gloria Thomas, Martha James, Hassana Joan-Kpetu,  Ese Ekama-Williams, Veronica Ogbole, Habibatullah  Abdullahi, Jamila Chinwe-Abubabar and Salamatu Babatunde who received post humous award.

The association also recognised the former zonal secretaries: Tongnaam Dada, Leah Thomas, Joyce Bur Akuraga, Ladi Emmanuel and Nancy Orshi, while Blessing Adewole got another post humous award.

Responding after the award, Mrs Mahmoud pledged to support female journalists especially those in the FCT to tackle challenges facing them in the discharge of their duties.

She said that female journalists have issues ranging from safety, gender-based harassment and other limitations which require joint efforts to address.

“This award is a tonic for me to further assist in addressing the challenges facing the media through policy reforms, training, advocacy and a more united front,” she said.

Vice President, NAWOJ Zone D, Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, while highlighting on the roles of some of the recipients, said that Ekama-Williams’ contributions as vice president marked a significant era in the history of female journalists in the zone.

Ogbeche said, as a respected journalist and leader, Williams demonstrated excellence, integrity, and passion, inspiring colleagues both in print and broadcast media to compete with their male counterparts.

“This recognition affirms her impactful roles in championing journalistic excellence and gender equality in the media space,” she said.

On her part, Ekama-Williams who served as vice president in the year 2013, said that the award meant so much to her.

“I dedicate this award, firstly to God, my family and NAN family, especially our Managing Director, Malam Ali M Ali, who is doing a great job to boost the morale of journalists in the agency.

She pledged to continue to drive the course of NAWOJ, to better the lots of the society especially the women folk in the country.

She called on young female journalists to develop interest in the affairs of the association, adding that it helps to provide the needed protection among other advantages. (NAN)(www.nanneews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu