By Nkechi Eze
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria has expressed outrage over what it described as the dehumanization, intimidation, and public humiliation of the immediate past President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Ladi Balla, allegedly by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
In a statement personally signed by the National President of NCWS, Princess Edna D. D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), the council said it was shocked by reports that Mr. Opeifa publicly assaulted and intimidated the respected journalist. Princess Azura disclosed that she had spoken directly with Mrs. Balla, whose account of the incident aligns with what has been reported in various media outlets.
“The NCWS, under my leadership, vehemently condemns this shameful act. It is unacceptable that a woman, carrying out her legitimate duty as a journalist, should be subjected to such degrading treatment. This is not only an assault on Comrade Ladi Balla but also an attack on the dignity of every Nigerian woman,” the NCWS president declared.
The council demanded an unreserved public apology from Mr. Opeifa as well as assurances from the NRC that such acts of intimidation and gender-based violence will never be repeated. “Nigerian women will not remain silent in the face of oppression, harassment, or any attempt to undermine our role in national development,” Princess Azura said.
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the protection of women and the girl child across the country, NCWS urged government institutions, civil society organizations, and the media to unite in ensuring that women in Nigeria are treated with respect, fairness, and dignity at all times.
