By Lucky Isibor,
The newly sworn in Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Edo state, Mrs. Adesuwa Ehimuan has assured women journalists in the state that her team would work for the unity, peace and development of the association just as she promised to run an all inclusive administration.
Mrs. Ehimuan stated this Tuesday, December 3, 2019 during the inauguration of the new executive of the association at the NUJ Secretariat in Benin City.
“It’s a new dawn of oneness, unity, peace and progress of Edo NAWOJ, not only in Edo State but at the national level. Irrespective of all the challenges, we assure ourselves that we will do the right thing to ensure that NAWOJ Edo state remains strong and formidable, promoting the interests of our professional growth and welfare of members.”
She promised to set up a reconciliatory committee to resolve all issues arising from the electoral process.
“We remain one, unmindful of the interests from union activities during the election, and we will set up a reconciliatory committee to resolve all issues, galvanize all interests to work for the overall good of the association.”
Administering the oath of office on the new executive, Timi Idoko, Vice President of NAWOJ, Zone F, urged the new leadership and members to be up and doing and remain committed to the spirit and letters of the formation of the association, not just during the electioneering process but at all times.
“You should serve in order to be served, not only during elections. Set the pace by doing the right thing. In every association there are guidelines. Ensure you do the needful.”
In his remarks, Sir Roland Osakue JP, Chairman of NUJ Edo State Council urged all to emulate the sense of humility of the new Chairperson of NAWOJ, as well as distinguishing themselves as professionals by cooperating with the new executive to achieve its visions and set objectives for the association.
“I urge all to work in harmony with the new leadership because this new Chairperson will do better. Respect is a key word. Copy her humility. I am happy about her promise to set up a reconciliatory committee. Election is not a do or die affair.”
Earlier in her welcome address, Comrade Peace Ifidon, Chairperson of the Caretaker Committee gave a brief of her Committee’s mandate since it assumed the leadership of the association on September 9 following the dissolution of the tenure of the previous executive led by Flora Bossey and the subsequent dissolution of the Credentials Committee led by Imelda Osayande.
“Our mandate was in dual capacity, to do the work of an elected leadership as well as to midwife the election, with all the hiccups that followed the process. With the first initial 6 weeks under that mandate we carefully observed the grey areas and challenges, which included missing attendance register, among others, however with a gracious extension of our mandate for another 6 weeks, we were able to get the needed documents, surmount the clogs deliberately put in the way of delivering on our mandate, and then we did the right thing.
“Attendance is pivotal in every election. Five of the 9 candidates were cleared, our duty is to screen. Five successful candidates emerged unopposed. Today, history has been made and we are happy we delivered.”
Adesuwa Ehimuan of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson along side Favour Percy Idubor of the Pointer, Vice Chairperson, Rosemary Okoduwa of Merit Newspapers, returned unopposed as Secretary, Habibah Sam also of the Pointer as Assistant Secretary and Tonia Nwachukwu of the Top Celebrity Magazine, Financial Secretary, were also returned unopposed.
