Kebbi Govt To Support NAWOJ National Secretariat Project
•Gov Idris pledges financial assistance as NAWOJ holds NEC meeting in Birnin Kebbi; Awards of Excellence presented’
By Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has pledged support for the construction of the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Abuja.
Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, made the pledge on Thursday while declaring open the NAWOJ National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting tagged “Kebbi 2026” held at thePresidentiall Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi.
The meeting brought together NEC members and delegates from across the 36 states of the federation.
Earlier before the opening ceremony, members of the NEC were taken on a tour of major projects executed by the Kebbi State Government to showcase the developmental strides of the present administration.
The NEC meeting featured two paper presentations. The first paper, titled “From the Margins to the Mainstream: Empowering Women and Youth Development” was presented by Dr. Zainab Hasan Baba of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.
The second paper, titled “From Radicalism to Resilience: Harnessing the Soft Power Approach for Youth Empowerment and Community Transformation” was presented by Hajiya Rafatu Garba Hammani, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kebbi State.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar-Tafida, said his administration recognizes the media as a strategic partner in promoting good governance, accountability and peaceful coexistence.
He commended NAWOJ for its contributions to journalism and national development, noting that a responsible and professional media remains critical to sustainable development.
Governor Idris specifically pledged financial assistance towards the construction of NAWOJ’s permanent national secretariat and urged the association to sustain advocacy on issues affecting women, children and vulnerable groups, particularly in education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
He said his administration prioritizes inclusive governance, which is reflected in the appointment of women into various administrative and political positions.
In her remarks, the National President of NAWOJ, Hajiya A’isha Ibrahim, described unity as the strength of the association and thanked the Kebbi State Government for hosting the NEC meeting.
She described the hosting as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to women empowerment and commended Zone A for hosting two consecutive NEC meetings.
Hajiya A’isha described the acquisition of land for the permanent secretariat as a significant milestone and appealed to the Kebbi State Government and other stakeholders to support its construction.
She pledged to continue advocating for greater opportunities for women in leadership and urged members to place collective interest above personal interest.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Salihu Gunabi, urged NAWOJ to sustain professionalism, while the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Hassan-Kamba, described Kebbi as a gender-friendly state.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kebbi State Council, Alhaji Bello Abubakar-Sarki, said women have remained important partners in journalism development.
While the Chairperson, NAWOJ Kebbi State Chapter, Hajiya Hassana Abubakar-Koko, expressed delight that Kebbi was hosting the national NEC meeting for the first time.
She thanked Governor Idris for approving the hosting and appreciated the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir-Idris, for her support.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to the Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, and other distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to media development and women empowerment.