From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Yobe State Chapter, has paid a courtesy visit to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Damaturu to strengthen collaboration in humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding and development communication.
In a press statement signed by the association’s State Secretary, Murjanatu Hamisu Yelwa, the delegation was led by the Chairperson, Zulai Musa Salisu, and comprised members of the newly elected State Executive Council (EXCO).
The visit provided an opportunity for the association to appreciate the Commission’s continued support and explore ways to strengthen their existing partnership.
Speaking during the visit, Salisu commended the NEDC for its consistent provision of food items to NAWOJ members, describing the gesture as valuable, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges.
She also acknowledged the cordial relationship between the Commission and previous leaderships of the association, assuring the NEDC that the new executive would sustain and build on the existing relationship.
The chairperson appealed to the Commission to continue involving NAWOJ in its programmes and interventions, noting that women journalists play an important role in communicating development initiatives and raising public awareness.
She also requested the Commission’s support in training newly recruited female journalists in Yobe State to strengthen their professional skills and prepare them for the demands of the profession.
Responding, the NEDC State Coordinator, Professor Ali Ibrahim Abbas, welcomed the delegation and congratulated the association on its successful transition to a new executive leadership.
He expressed optimism that both organisations would continue working together to advance development and support communities affected by years of insurgency in the North-East.
Professor Abbas explained that the food assistance provided to NAWOJ members formed part of the Commission’s humanitarian and peacebuilding mandate, which aims to support vulnerable households affected by economic hardship and the rising cost of living.
He encouraged beneficiaries to extend the gesture to other less-privileged people within their communities.
The state coordinator also highlighted some of the Commission’s interventions across the region, including roads and bridges, schools, housing, water facilities and solar-powered streetlights.
He noted that the security situation sometimes limited publicity surrounding these projects, making the media’s role in public information and awareness particularly important.
On the request for capacity building, Professor Abbas acknowledged the need to strengthen the professional skills of women journalists, especially those newly recruited into the profession.
He assured the delegation that the request for training and professional development opportunities would be forwarded to the Commission’s management for consideration.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of NAWOJ Yobe and the NEDC to sustaining their cordial relationship and strengthening cooperation in humanitarian assistance, development communication and peacebuilding for the benefit of communities across Yobe State.
