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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
Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026
By: Michael Mike
A powerful coalition of global and national leaders has challenged Nigerian students to take ownership of the future, as the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) 2026 opened with a resounding focus on digital transformation, equity, and sustainable development.
At the heart of the gathering was a clear message: young people are not just participants in tomorrow’s world—they are already shaping it.
Delivering a keynote message, António Guterres underscored the United Nations’ unwavering belief in the capacity of youth to drive meaningful change. He told delegates that Model UN platforms are more than academic exercises—they are training grounds for leadership, diplomacy, and problem-solving in an increasingly complex world.
He emphasized that building a better future demands stamina, courage, and a deep commitment to fairness, urging students to always center the needs of the most vulnerable in their decision-making.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reinforced the importance of education as a cornerstone of national progress, describing LASSMUN as a strategic investment in the next generation of leaders.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen education systems through innovation, infrastructure, and policies that promote critical thinking and character development. According to him, the discipline and engagement demanded by Model UN simulations mirror real-life governance and should inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose.
Providing a broader intellectual perspective, Efosa Osaghae, represented by Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, said digital transformation holds immense promise for addressing global inequalities in education. However, he warned that without deliberate policies to ensure inclusiveness, technology could deepen existing divides.
He called for sustained investments in digital infrastructure, improved access, and stronger policy frameworks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.
The Director of the United Nations Information Centre Abuja, Ronald Kayanja, took the message further, reminding participants that youth are already central to global efforts on peace, climate action, and sustainable development.
He urged delegates to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation—core values of the United Nations—while also developing the critical ability to distinguish facts from misinformation in an increasingly polarized information landscape.
Earlier, LASSMUN President Damilola Ogunsanwo set the tone for the conference, describing it as a transformative experience that instills discipline, collaboration, and respect for global processes.
Also speaking, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuf, emphasized that Model UN bridges classroom learning with real-world application, equipping students with essential skills such as negotiation, public speaking, and teamwork.
Adding a development perspective, Ms. Genevieve Chukwuezi, representing the United Nations Development Programme Lagos Office, highlighted how technology proved indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity in learning despite widespread school closures.
She stressed that digital transformation must go beyond access to technology, focusing instead on innovation, scalability, and the ability to translate ideas into practical solutions that drive economic and social progress.
In a striking intervention, the conference Secretary-General, Praise Oyekunbi, cautioned against superficial adoption of technology, warning that digital tools without equitable access risk entrenching injustice rather than solving it.
“Technology without equity is not progress—it is exclusion,” she declared, drawing attention to the urgent need for inclusive digital policies.
With debates and committee sessions underway, LASSMUN 2026 is shaping up as more than a conference—it is a platform cultivating a new generation of informed, responsible, and globally conscious leaders ready to confront the defining challenges of the 21st century.
Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026
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Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, security institutions, and the education sector have called for urgent early intervention, stronger enforcement of anti-bullying policies, and expanded youth empowerment programmes to address rising cases of bullying in Nigerian schools.
They made the call at a Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools convened by International Alert Nigeria on Friday in Abuja, where experts warned that bullying is increasingly becoming a major driver of mental health challenges and broader social risks among young people.
NDLEA links bullying to drug abuse risks
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, warned that persistent bullying could expose young people to substance abuse and other harmful coping behaviours.
Represented by Henrietta HoldGod of the agency’s Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, he said victims of bullying often suffer anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.
He stressed that in some cases, affected students may resort to drugs as a coping mechanism, noting that prevention of bullying directly aligns with NDLEA’s broader preventive mandate.
“Protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours,” he said, adding that safer schools are essential for building resilient communities.
NAPTIP urges zero tolerance and collective responsibility
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights that requires collective action across homes, schools, and communities.
Represented by NAPTIP Director Rebecca Enwusoyere, she called for strict zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental engagement, and sustained community advocacy.
She also urged stakeholders to equip young people with skills to identify, resist, and report bullying, stressing that awareness campaigns, peer education, and safe reporting channels are critical to preventing silent suffering among victims.
Experts warn of rising mental health burden
A Senior Research Fellow in International Education and Development at the Open University, Dr. Margaret Ebubedike, said bullying had worsened in the post-COVID-19 period, with significant consequences for students’ mental health and learning outcomes.
She noted that bullying extends beyond individuals to affect families and the education system, disrupting academic engagement and undermining safe learning environments.
Citing regional data, she said between 27 and 50 percent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience bullying, warning that Nigeria’s situation appears more severe, with more than half of secondary school students reportedly affected.
“Tackling bullying requires a collective response involving parents, educators, policymakers, and communities,” she said.
Security agency warns of wider societal risks
The Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, cautioned that unresolved bullying cases could escalate into broader security threats if not addressed early.
Represented by CSC Adeoye Adegoke, he emphasised the need for early reporting systems and coordinated institutional responses to prevent escalation.
Federal Government reiterates policy commitment
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling bullying through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Augustine Udo said the policy provides a framework for accountability, protection, and enforcement, urging stakeholders to move from policy discussions to practical implementation.
She called for stronger reporting mechanisms and increased empathy among students, teachers, and parents.
The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria also confirmed that implementation guidelines and a dedicated committee have been established to ensure nationwide rollout of anti-bullying measures across schools.
Experts push for system-wide action
Behavioural Change Communication expert, Ms. Ayotola Ilori, said data shows bullying is widespread, with about 32 percent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 affected, while as many as 85 percent are either victims, perpetrators, or both.
She welcomed the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy but warned that policy design alone is insufficient without full system-level implementation across schools nationwide.
Ilori also called for coordinated action across all 774 local government areas, urging students to speak up and avoid silence when facing bullying.
International Alert calls for practical interventions
Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, said the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over recent bullying incidents, including a widely reported case in Edo State.
Represented by Programme Manager Sunday Jimoh, he said the dialogue aimed to move beyond awareness creation to actionable policy solutions.
He noted that bullying is not limited to schools but also exists in workplaces, sports, and leadership spaces, describing it as a broader societal challenge.
Udo said the organisation is working with schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs, where students are trained in conflict resolution and the psychological impact of bullying.
He added that safe reporting systems are also being developed to ensure victims can report incidents before they escalate.
At the end of the dialogue, organisers said a communiqué and policy roadmap would be developed to guide future advocacy and strengthen government engagement on anti-bullying interventions nationwide.
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
Nigerian envoy visits troops in Benin, urges professionalism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Amb. Bukar Kalambe, has visited Nigerian troops deployed under Operation AWATSE African Alliance II (OPAA II), urging them to uphold professionalism and represent the country with dignity.
Thrme visit took place on April 15, 2026, at Togbin Camp, where the envoy was accompanied by the Defence Adviser, Col. S.A. Yahaya, embassy staff, and the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Benin Republic branch, Alhaji Muhammad Muniru.
According to the sources, the visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the troops and reinforcing diplomatic support for the ongoing mission.During the interaction, Kalambe charged the troops to remain disciplined and committed to their mandate, while serving as good ambassadors of Nigeria.
He also assured them of continued support from the Nigerian mission in Benin Republic to ensure the success of the operation.
The Commanding Officer of OPAA II, Lt.-Col. A.A. Ikoro, later conducted the envoy on a guided tour of the camp, showcasing facilities, vehicles, and operational equipment provided by the Nigerian Army for the mission.End
Nigerian envoy visits troops in Benin, urges professionalism
Troops arrest suspected terrorist in Kaduna, cite internal clashes among bandit leaders
Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
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