The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ondo State Chapter, has inaugurated a new set of executive members to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.
All five newly inaugurated officers were returned unopposed. They include the Chairperson, Tola Gbadamosi of The Hope Newspaper; Secretary, Oluwatosin Ighoteguono of Radio Nigeria; Treasurer, Sade Oladehinde of the Ministry of Information; Financial Secretary, Fisoye Adenitan of Radio Nigeria; and Auditor, Abiola Ariyo of NTA.
Presenting the certificates of return, the National President of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Bura, charged the new executives to let the interest of the association guide their decisions. Represented by the Vice President (B-Zone), Mrs. Deola Adekunle-Omosola, she urged them to uphold the core values of NAWOJ—empowerment and development of women journalists and advocacy for vulnerable groups.
She also called for a bye-election to fill the remaining vacant positions within 90 days and encouraged the newly elected team to initiate impactful programmes that would benefit both members and the wider society.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Comrade Leke Adegbite, congratulated the executive members on their return, describing it as a move towards maintaining stability in the association’s activities. He emphasized the importance of purposeful leadership, particularly in protecting the rights and welfare of women and children.
Comrade Adegbite also used the occasion to commend the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, for his support to NAWOJ and his role in the empowerment of widows.
In his response, Prince Adeniyan expressed gratitude for the support his office continues to enjoy from NAWOJ. He congratulated the new executives and pledged to sustain and increase his support for the association’s initiatives. He also promised to increase the donation made towards the widows’ empowerment scheme, emphasizing the importance of leaders making tangible impacts within their constituencies.
Delivering her goodwill message, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Osun State, Mrs. Bisola Ariwodola, described the leadership mandate as a call to do more rather than to relax. She encouraged the new executives to leave a lasting legacy that would further strengthen the association’s growth and development.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairperson, Tola Gbadamosi—who completed the tenure of her predecessor—reflected on the progress made in the past two years.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far in advocating for the rights of women journalists, empowering women, supporting widows and vulnerable members of society, and championing the rights of children, especially those affected by gender-based violence,” she said.
Gbadamosi appealed for continuous support from her fellow executive members and commended their dedication and commitment during the previous tenure.
Earlier, the Chairman, NAWOJ Electoral Committee (NAWOJECO), Mrs. Adebukola Bardi, stated that all candidates went thorough screening and vetting exercise to confirm their eligibility and commitment to the association’s objectives. She appreciated the peaceful conduct of the election, commending members for their cooperation and unity.
Among those who graced the occasion included members of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), The General Manager, Crest FM, Akure, Mr Goddey Ighoteguono and NAWOJ Leader, Comrade Sola Jacobs.
