By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has issued a compelling call to action to all tiers of government and security agencies to address the growing insecurity and humanitarian challenges plaguing the North Central region of the country. The call was made during the Association’s bi-monthly zonal meeting, presided over by the Vice President of the Zone, Chizoba Ogbeche.
The meeting, which brought together the Zonal Secretary, Juliana Ofoku; Zone D Board of Trustees member, Annah Daniel; Ex-officio member, Anne Olurinde; and chairpersons and secretaries of the state chapters within the Zone, centered on deliberations concerning the safety of citizens, the plight of women and children in conflict zones, and broader issues affecting the region.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the association expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation across the North Central states, particularly in Benue and Plateau, where recurring attacks have led to loss of lives, displacement of families, and deepening humanitarian crises. NAWOJ called on the six state governments in the Zone, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts in ensuring proactive policing, swift arrests, and prompt prosecution of perpetrators of violence to serve as a deterrent to others.
“The protection of lives and property must remain a top priority of government at all levels,” the communiqué read, adding that the Federal Government must do more to equip security forces with modern weapons, surveillance technologies, and the logistical support necessary to match and counter the firepower of insurgents and other non-state actors operating in the region.
The Zone further expressed profound appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassionate response and generous donation toward the rehabilitation of victims of violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States. The women journalists appealed to the state governments to ensure that the First Lady’s donation and other relief funds are disbursed transparently and efficiently, reaching only the real victims and affected communities.
NAWOJ also raised an alarm over the long-term impact of the ongoing crisis on the education of displaced children, many of whom have had their learning disrupted due to the attacks and forced displacements. The association urged the Wife of the President and First Ladies of the affected states to prioritize the education of these children and ensure their re-integration into the school system to prevent them from joining the already worrisome number of out-of-school children in the country. They stressed that empowering women must go hand-in-hand with protecting the future of the children.
Commending the dedication of women groups, civil society organizations, and especially female journalists across the Zone, NAWOJ hailed the growing momentum behind the campaign for the Special Seats for Women in Parliament Bill. They acknowledged the coordinated advocacy during the recent public hearing in the Zone and across the country, and emphasized the need to sustain the pressure through continued lobbying and engagement with lawmakers until the bill is passed into law.
On environmental issues, the association lauded the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for its proactive seasonal forecasts and early warnings, which have helped communities prepare for the heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. However, NAWOJ Zone D urged the Federal Government to move beyond seasonal alerts and pursue permanent flood prevention solutions. These should include structural measures such as the construction of dams, drainages, and embankments, alongside non-structural strategies like community education, urban planning reforms, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The association also called on residents of riverine and flood-prone communities to heed evacuation advisories and relocate to safer grounds, stressing the need for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deepen its awareness campaigns on flood risks, safety precautions, and disaster preparedness.
As a collective voice for women in the media and defenders of social justice, NAWOJ Zone D reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection and empowerment of women, the safety of children, and the strengthening of democratic and humanitarian values across the nation.
