Norah Leads New Abia NAWOJ Executive, As Ogwo Bows Out In Glory

A new leadership has emerged in the Abia State chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) with the State Correspondent of Arise Television, Comrade Norah Okafor, as the Chairperson.

Other members of the new Abia NAWOJ  executive include Sally Anyaso (Secretary) Mrs Chioma Okechukwu (Treasurer) and Mercy Iroegbu (Financial Secretary).

Inaugurating the new executive, National President of NAWOJ, Aisha Ibrahim, charged them to focus on strengthening professionalism and expanding membership through active mobilisation of qualified female journalists.

Represented by the South East Zonal Vice President, Amaka Agbo, the President urged the new leadership to embark on strategic outreach and scouting initiatives aimed at attracting professionally trained women journalists into the association, noting that the future relevance of NAWOJ depends largely on its ability to maintain high ethical and professional standards.

She emphasized that NAWOJ remains an important platform for promoting responsible journalism, women empowerment and social justice, while encouraging members to remain committed to the ideals of integrity, mentorship and service.

In her inaugural speech, the new Chairperson of Abia NAWOJ, Norah Okafor, expressed profound gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in her.

Okafor pledged to lead with dedication and transparency, pledging to ensure unity in the fold in order to reposition the association for greater impact within and beyond Abia State.

She appealed for sustained cooperation from members, stressing that collective commitment would remain vital to building a stronger, more vibrant and more influential association.

She assured members that the new leadership would soon unveil strategic programmes and activities designed to improve the welfare of members and further strengthen the association’s professional standing.

“My administration is determined to ensure that Abia NAWOJ continues to grow in relevance, visibility and service to society,” she said, and thanked members for giving her the honour and privilege to serve. She assuring that the trust placed in the new leadership would not be taken for granted.

Earlier in her valedictory address, the outgone Chairperson of Abia NAWOJ, Comrade Josephine Ogwo, noted that the period ofher leadership was marked by institutional transformation.

Ogwo stated that her administration assumed office at a challenging time when the association reportedly faced financial and organisational difficulties, including limited operational resources.

She explained that through prudent financial management, teamwork and dedication, the leadership revived the association’s financial structure and strengthened its institutional presence within the national body.

According to her, the administration successfully sustained payment of national dues for several years while also improving the visibility and participation of Abia NAWOJ in national events, including the National Delegates Conference in Abuja.

She further highlighted programmes implemented during the tenure, including campaigns against gender-based violence, International Women’s Day celebrations, voter education during the 2023 general elections in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission, and outreach activities in schools aimed at promoting positive social values among adolescents.

Ogwo noted that the celebration of “Abia NAWOJ at 34” in May 2025 served as a defining moment for the association, offering members an opportunity to reflect on its history, achievements and map out plans to attain higher heights in future.

She expressed appreciation to members for their support and cooperation throughout her tenure and expressed confidence that the incoming administration would consolidate on the gains already achieved.

The inauguration ceremony, which drew journalists, media stakeholders, veterans and members of the association, also had in attendance, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, Comrade Chidi Asonye, Southeast NAWOJ Ex-Officio, Chinyere Egbulam, marked a significant transition for the organization.