Ogun VON Reporter Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi Becomes NAWOJ Chairperson, Assures Unity

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The Ogun State correspondent of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Mrs Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi has become the executive chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWAOJ), Ogun state chapter to steer the affairs of the association for the next three years.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the NUJ secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital, where the Vice President, B Zone of NAWOJ, Omobola Akingbehin charged the new executives and other female journalists in the state to embrace professionalism in the discharge of their journalistic duties.

Akingbehin who represented the NAWOJ National President, Ladi Bala presented the certificate of office to the new executives led by Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi, Chairperson; Oluwatoyin Adegoke, Vice Chairperson; Omobolaji Adekunle, Secretary and Adejoke Adeleye, Assistant Secretary to them, expressing optimism that association will take a better turn under the new leadership.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NUJ Ogun State Council Comrade, Wale Olarenwaju also urged the women’s journalists in the state to embrace unity.

He stated that women are virtuous especially in they are seen in the group for an occasion, “It always gives me joy to see women backing us” (men).

Also, the new Chairperson of the association, Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi of Voice of Nigeria (VON) pledged to be dedicated and passionate in leading Ogun NAWAJ to its eldorado.

Salam-Opebiyi demanded the implementation of social responsibility in journalism practices, insisting that “must campaign vigorously against violence against women, the girl child and advocate for increased representation of women in governance at all levels of government.”

She charged women journalists to remain uncompromised stakeholders in sustaining the country’s hard-earned democracy.

“This can only be achieved by upholding the ethics of journalism and ensuring that the truth prevails.

“But our role goes beyond reporting; it extends into our communities. We pledge to work hand in hand with women in various sectors, such as market women and community organizations, to restore the lost glory of our dear nation, starting from our immediate homes and communities.

She added “No doubt as women, we are mothers of the nation, and we must be ready to play prominent roles in the development of Nigeria, so I called on every one of us to join me in bringing back the lost glory of Ogun NAWOJ, for it to reclaim its forefront and pathfinding position in women journalism, that we are known for, let’s join hands together to build a NAWOJ, we can all be proud of.

“My sisters, our dear Ogun state is known for its uniqueness of being the first in every human endeavor in Nigeria. Please let’s all come together and make it great again. To achieve this, we will facilitate training both internationally and locally. Also part of my priority is to ensure good welfare packages for our members and frequent organization of programs of interest that would have a positive impact on our daily activities as professionals.

“Most importantly, I promise to ensure continuous unity, equity, and love among NAWOJ members and journalism generally in Ogun State.

“Furthermore, our administration will periodically organize vocational training programs for young graduates awaiting further education or job opportunities. This initiative aims to reduce unemployment and the burden on government resources.”