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Aisha Kwaya-Bura on a mission to take nawoj to the next level
Aisha Kwaya-Bura on a mission to take nawoj to the next level
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is a liberal organization for professional journalists. It has also given maximum room for women to breath. Also in spite of the fact that the union regards every member as gentlemen of the press, the body has found a way to permit the women among us to enjoy equal status like men in the country as they associate in the name of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (nawoj) . That equilibrium was struck over 30 years ago and it’s been a win win situation all the way for our Comrade women. The Nigerian Association of women journalists (Nawoj) is equally about the growth of women and it is an association that basically caters for our women colleagues and their children who feel the brunt of the hardship they encounter in the trenches like their male colleagues. It is for this reason that delegates should vote for Comrade Aisha Ibrahim Kwaya-Bura for President of the association. Any attempt not to vote for anyone with like minds like this result oriented Comrade would be a futile exercise for the return to the politics of false hope, lack of transparency, emotion and mediocrity.
Who is Aisha Kwaya Bura?
Aisha Bura is a journalist per excellence who has seen it all in the profession. Even if you can’t claim to know all about her, the little we know while watching her in Borno has to do with her ability to lead from the front when it comes to the welfare of her gender. During the times I have seen her attend congress, she had always been a servant leader who watches the back of others before crossing the road concerning the NUJ. She has shown quite alright that she is not a push over in the politics of the NUJ and has paid her dues in the business of being a welfare unionist. She is a rare breed between the NUJ and nawoj. Voting for her will mean voting for a mother figure who will help bring the women together and ensure that the home front does not suffer at all. This university of maiduguri mass communication graduate is a veteran in the political tuff of the NUJ and that makes her a much more matured and stable candidate for the presidency. As one of those practicing when women were second rated in Nigerian politics, she knows what it takes to carry women along the paths of righteousness to achieve a common goal of unity devoid of clannish pettiness and emotional instability. And that is why she has contested many positions and won at the NUJ level within her region in the country. This journalist has international connections the entire women journalists will benefit from.
Indeed NAWOj was established on 14th September 1989, to serve as a rallying point for Nigerian female journalists.The birth of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists was the result of the struggle to gain more recognition for women in the journalism profession. And that kind of recognition is already fixed if some delegates will put aside their pettiness and vote for someone who is emotionally stable and not someone who will “talk down” on you during congress meetings at the national level. Or a candidate who will behave like a tug and intimidate you for demanding for transparency over your finances. With Aisha you are safe when it comes to your funds for instance because she has already aligned with a tested hand for internal auditor in Jemila Abubakar of the NTA.
A vote for Aisha will ensure that the efforts by the pioneer President of Nawoj Brenda Akpan and a few female journalists who started the association will not go in vein because we can all see that the last three years were wasted years poured down the drain of insolence, indulgence, latent corruption and outright vein glory to one individual instead of the collectivity of the union. Unionism is not about filling your pockets or using check up dues to outshine one another. It is about selflessness and you will see that in Aisha a servant leader.
With the support of some of us who are gender sensitive, it is our intention to ensure that the next leadership under Comrade Aisha Kwaya Bura will become as transparent as possible as it was during the leadership of George Izobo which molded nawoj into existence as an affiliate to the NUJ instead of a nonchalant challenging monster to the NUJ as the incumbent leaders are trying to turn the association into. Gentlemen colleagues any aspiring leader that is not with the NUJ our parent union is a lost sheep. Do not waste your precious votes on them. Vote Aisha a well balanced member of the association and the NUJ.
Bringing the association back to the original ideals.
Nawoj was formed to serve professionally as an umbrella organization for all female journalists in the country and to cater for their career interests in terms of training and retraining and to take care of the responsibility of the welfare and interests of women and children in the society. Most of these ideas have been eroded away by pettiness and obstinate tendencies not known to our constitution.
At some point, some observers have began to think nawoj was an autonomous organization which does not take cues from any one at the national level. But that is not the nawojian body founded by those who wanted better things for female comrades. NAWOJ is an affiliate of the parent NUJ constituted so that the union shall take notice of them in times like these and NAWOJ, will remain as its affiliate. When nawoj was formed over 30 years ago, by a group of female journalists who came together, it was meant to attract goodwill and respect to themselves and respect for others. Surely not for authoritative tendencies and outright despotism as is displayed by the incumbent who wants to return with more punishment for you if you bring her back. This is why you want to vote for Aisha Ibrahim Kwaya-bura a mother, sister and friend who will use her soft spoken nature to take you from where you are into the pinnacle of excellence where you should be and by God’s grace the sky will be the beginning of good things to come.
Gentlemen, Nawojians have made their mark in different ways in this country. This is the time to abandon the old ways of doing things to the contemporary which is collaboration with all willing partners for the good of gender parity and the progress of the woman folk.
16th The advent of dangerous diseases like COVID-19 and diphtheria hunting our children cannot escape the eagle eyes of Aisha because these concerns our children. You will see less talk and more actions in her executive when she wins. Nobody will be left out on the quest for a good living condition even the wives of our male colleagues during sickness or death. This is because of her principled and incorruptible background. Her ways of doing things are unique. And let me tell you, she will respect the view of congress.
Proactive response to challenges
Recently, a radio executive in katsina state was accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague. Comrade Aisha virtually condemned it with a warning that her executive will not leave such excesses lying low. That is how a proactive leader talks the talk. That is the Aisha you will get to meet if you vote for her. Proactive, and result oriented. After all the entire country will be her Constituency and nobody will be left out in the dividends of her new dawn supported by her deputy from the south south. Vote for Aisha and vote for myriads of gains for yourself and family this weekend.
The struggle continues!!!
Aisha Kwaya-Bura on a mission to take nawoj to the next level
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PRESIDENT TINUBU ASKS MATAWALLE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE, TO MOVE TO KEBBI OVER SCHOOLGIRLS’ ABDUCTION
PRESIDENT TINUBU ASKS MATAWALLE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE, TO MOVE TO KEBBI OVER SCHOOLGIRLS’ ABDUCTION
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in the state.
Matawalle, who was formerly governor of Zamfara State, was asked to remain in the state to monitor security efforts to secure the release of the abducted students.
Gunmen abducted 24 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State, around 4 am on Monday.
Matawalle, who is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday, gained some experience in dealing with banditry and mass kidnapping during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.
On 26 February 2021, armed bandits abducted 279 female students aged between 10 and 17 at the Government Girls Science Secondary School, a boarding school in Jangebe, in Zamfara State. The bandits released all the hostages on 2 March 2021.
President Tinubu had postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, as he awaited further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
PRESIDENT TINUBU ASKS MATAWALLE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE, TO MOVE TO KEBBI OVER SCHOOLGIRLS’ ABDUCTION
President Tinubu Hails Jonathan’s Eternal Covenant Of Service At Foundation’s 10th Anniversary
*Says Nigeria’s democracy thrives because of leaders who place nation above ambition
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised former President Goodluck Jonathan as a guardian of democracy whose legacy extends far beyond his time in office.
The President described Jonathan as a profound lesson on life after public service, who preserved Nigeria’s democracy at a moment when it mattered most.
Speaking on Thursday during the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the former president’s decision to establish the foundation demonstrates that “life begins anew when we leave the high offices for which we are elected.
“There can never be enough words to express the depth of our national gratitude to him,” President Tinubu said, adding that Jonathan has “remained the same guardian of our collective values since leaving office.”
The President drew a contrast between leaders who use their post-office influence destructively and those who devote themselves to serving humanity.
“Some choose a vehicle that serves only themselves, one that pursues causes capable of harming the very society that once carried them. The other group chooses a nobler path: devoting their life to the service of humanity,” he said.
President Tinubu warned that democracy across West Africa and globally has come under severe threat over the past decade, weakened by “adventurists, by extremists, by actors intoxicated by power, by those who see institutions as inconveniences and elections as formalities.”
He emphasised that Jonathan had demonstrated a crucial principle that nobody’s ambition supersedes the sovereignty of the state.
The President called for national unity and respect for democratic processes, urging Nigerians to accept electoral outcomes regardless of personal preferences.
“No matter whether our preferred candidates win or lose, we must learn to respect the wishes of those who vote differently. Because democracy offers us repeated opportunities to renew our mandates.”
President Tinubu described the foundation as a template for us everyone, noting that service is a continuum and that leaving office is not the end of one’s national duty but the beginning of a new chapter.
He said, “No government can succeed without the cooperation of its people, and no people can advance without a government that listens and leads with clarity. Our democracy stands because of people like former President Goodluck Jonathan. People who believe that the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual.”
The President congratulated former President Jonathan and his team, expressing hope that the foundation would continue to be a light on our path toward a more peaceful and prosperous Africa.
Earlier, former President Jonathan thanked Vice President Shettima, former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone and other dignitaries for the honour of attending his Foundation’s 10th anniversary.
Recalling the incident that led to birthing of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the former President said the focus of the foundation was prompted by his experience and challenges while in office as Nigeria’s leader.
He said over the years, the foundation has paid close attention and worked relentlessly on the issues of diplomacy, good governance, election management and promoting the development of democratic institutions.
Dr Jonathan expressed his condolences over the recent incidents of abduction and attack on citizens across the country, calling on political leaders to be more responsible to the issue plaguing the security and wellbeing of Nigerians.
In his remarks, the guest speaker, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, underscored the significance of functional democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing that the youths must be at the centre of all interventions.
He said that building a stable future for Africa must be anchored on the functionality of democratic institutions, effective youth empowerment schemes, a free press and an independent judiciary.
Dr Chambas extolled the leadership qualities of President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as an African leader who believes in the values of true democracy and the sanctity of human lives, noting that the former president has proven his relevance even outside public office.
Also present at the event were former President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma; former First Ladies, Dame Patience Jonathan and Hajiya Maryam Abacha; Former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim and Mr Boss Mustapha; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Governors of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Sokoto, Attahiru Bafarawa; Adamawa, Boni Haruna; Plateau, Chief Jonah Jang; philantropist, Hajiya Bola Shagaya; former deputy governors; serving and former legislators; former Ministers; the Ooni of Ife, HRM, Oba Adeyey Enitan Ogunwusi, and captains of Industry, among others.
President Tinubu Hails Jonathan’s Eternal Covenant Of Service At Foundation’s 10th Anniversary
Concerns Rise Over Security and Governance In Benue State
By: Michael Mike
The Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR) has expressed deep concern over the worsening security and administrative situation in Benue State under Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In a press statement read by Comrade Adebayo Lion Ogory in Abuja, CEDEHUR highlighted a series of violent incidents affecting communities across the state, particularly in Turan (Kwande LGA), Logo, Gwer West, and Agatu.
The group noted that attacks by armed herdsmen have resulted in deaths, displacement, and disruption of farming activities, a vital component of the state’s economy.
The organization also raised concerns over alleged administrative failures and financial mismanagement in several state agencies, including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Bureau for Quality Assurance and Examination Board, Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), and the Bureau of Solid Minerals.
CEDEHUR cited reports of irregular contract awards, diversion of funds, and overall institutional inefficiency.
Further, the group reported ongoing illegal mining activities in protected areas involving foreign operators, claiming that the state government had failed to intervene. Last weekend, two young men were reportedly killed in Turan following mining activities in the area.
CEDEHUR also expressed concern over directives allegedly issued by Governor Alia restricting public gatherings without official approval, warning that such measures could undermine civil liberties.
They called for clarity from APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda regarding the party’s role in these directives.
The organization urged federal authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police, to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement, human rights violations, and security breaches in the state.
CEDEHUR further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a meeting with Benue stakeholders to address the escalating crisis and called for the immediate halt of illegal mining operations and political thuggery across the state.
The group warned that without swift intervention, insecurity and governance challenges in Benue could escalate, threatening lives, livelihoods, and public confidence in the state government.
Concerns Rise Over Security and Governance In Benue State
PRESIDENT TINUBU ASKS MATAWALLE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE, TO MOVE TO KEBBI OVER SCHOOLGIRLS’ ABDUCTION
President Tinubu Hails Jonathan’s Eternal Covenant Of Service At Foundation’s 10th Anniversary
Concerns Rise Over Security and Governance In Benue State
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