The National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), has called on the Nigerian government, Media Executives and Proprietors to review the salaries and welfare of journalist, to help address the hazards and risk encountered by journalist as well as enable them function better.
The National President, Mrs. Ladi Bala, made the call at the Association’s thanksgiving service and award presentation at Redeem Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Christ the King Parish, Gudu, Abuja.
According to her, journalists are always at risk due the kind of job they do, which calls for a better treatment by their employers.
“There is need to look inward and review the salaries and the take home of journalist. In all honesty, a journalist is invited to an event, in some cases no vehicle is provided, you have to use your resources to go for that event, and when you go for it, what do you get from it, nothing because it is expected that your organisation must have taken care of your bills and everything. So my appeal is that, it is very important that the needs of journalists should be looked in to, particular from the media organisations owners. The necessary tools the journalist need to carry out their job effectively should be provided… we are special workers,” She appealed.
She said that thanksgiving was to appreciate God for the thirty-two years of NAWOJ, for the health and progress of members and the acquisition of a befitting office and a landed property in the FCT.
Also speaking, one of the Board Members of NAWOJ, Mrs. Moji Makonjoola, said that thanksgiving was a worthy cause and urged Nigerians to always give gratitude to God at all times.
“We are not here because we choose to be, but because it pleased God to give us life. And for us to show gratitude is what we are demonstrating as women journalist today, and I think this should resonate in lives,” Mrs. Makonjoola urged
Nigeria’s former Minister of women Affairs, Paulin Tallen, who was one of the awardees, expressed her joy for what God has done for her and the association.
“I rededicate this award to Nigerian women particularly National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), that God will continue to use them to change the plight of women because NAWOJ, is like the voice of women,” she noted
Another Awardee and the Country Director of Action Aid, Ms. Ene Obi, reiterated her commitment to always stand by NAWOJ.
“Action Aid gave me the platform to empower women led organization and I felt NAWOJ is one the organization that we need to empower. I will always be by NAWOJ,” she reiterated.
The event attracted members of the association from all over the country.
