The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated a new executive council for the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) to lead the association for the next three years.
The NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr Philip Nwosu, administered the oath of office to the new executives on Friday in Lagos, urging them to focus on expanding membership and ensuring continuity within the association.
Vivian Ihechu of NAN and Angela Onwuzu of The Punch newspaper were returned unopposed as President and Vice President of HEWAN, respectively.
Other newly inaugurated officials include:
- Julie Ekon of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) – Financial Secretary
- Temitope Obayendo of Pharm News – General Secretary
- Abimbola Adekoya of Diagnostic News Reporters (DNR) – Assistant Secretary General
- Augusta Uchedinor of NAN – Assistant Financial Secretary
- Royal Ibeh of Leadership Newspaper – Treasurer
Commending the association’s work, Ajayi praised members for their dedication to credible reporting on health institutions, issues, and policies in Nigeria.
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He encouraged the new leadership to build on the achievements of their predecessors and to remain active participants in the NUJ’s state congresses.
“Endeavour to carry all members along in the discharge of your responsibilities,” he said.
“As new executives, you are expected to build on the achievements of your predecessors and take HEWAN to greater heights.”
In her acceptance speech, newly inaugurated President Mrs Vivian Ihechu thanked the outgoing executives for laying a solid foundation and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to public health communication.
“Our mission as health writers is more critical now than ever before,” she stated.
“From infectious diseases like tuberculosis, cholera, Lassa fever and malaria, to the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, accurate and timely health information is essential.”
Ihechu outlined her vision for HEWAN under three core pillars: professionalism, advocacy, and impact.
She promised to prioritise capacity building, training, and ethical journalism, as well as tackle misinformation through fact-checking and enhanced digital literacy.
She also pledged to foster partnerships with policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society organisations to advocate for inclusive health policies and drive meaningful change.
“Our reporting must lead to tangible improvements in public health outcomes,” she asserted, calling on members to support the new executive council in achieving these goals.
The event featured goodwill messages from several organisations, including the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In her remarks, Mrs Christian Obiazikwor, Deputy Director of Public Relations at NAFDAC, commended HEWAN’s contributions and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained collaboration.