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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
ActionAid Demands Passage of Special Seats Bill as Nigeria Marks International Women’s Day
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day 2026, ActionAid Nigeria has called for urgent political and institutional reforms to end the persistent marginalisation of women, warning that gender inequality continues to undermine democratic governance and social justice in the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the organisation said the continued underrepresentation of women in governance and the widespread prevalence of gender-based violence highlight a deep structural imbalance that requires immediate government intervention.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” must translate into real policy actions rather than ceremonial commitments.
He noted that despite the existence of several legal and policy frameworks aimed at protecting women’s rights, millions of Nigerian women still face violence, discrimination and exclusion from decision-making spaces.
Citing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, the organisation revealed that about 30 per cent of Nigerian women aged between 15 and 49—an estimated 35.65 million people—have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Additionally, around nine per cent of women, representing more than 10 million individuals, have suffered sexual violence.
ActionAid also raised concerns over Nigeria’s poor record in women’s political representation. According to data referenced from the World Bank, women occupy less than four per cent of seats in the National Assembly of Nigeria, with only 20 female lawmakers out of the 469-member legislature.
The organisation further observed that while states such as Anambra State and Lagos State have made modest progress in promoting women’s participation in governance, at least 15 states—including Kano State and Sokoto State—currently have no women serving in their state assemblies.
The group also highlighted the education gap affecting girls, referencing data from UNICEF which shows that Nigeria remains among countries with the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with girls disproportionately affected, particularly in northern communities.
According to ActionAid, the statistics represent real-life struggles faced by millions of girls forced to abandon education due to poverty and harmful cultural practices, as well as survivors of sexual and gender-based violence who often encounter stigma and weak justice systems.
While acknowledging the role of civil society organisations and development partners in advancing women’s empowerment programmes, the organisation said systemic obstacles within governance structures continue to slow meaningful progress.
ActionAid Nigeria noted that between 2019 and 2024, it implemented one of the country’s largest women’s rights programmes, supporting more than one million women through economic empowerment initiatives, political participation platforms and gender-based violence prevention programmes.
However, the organisation stressed that structural reforms remain critical, particularly the proposed Special Seats Bill, which seeks to reserve 74 legislative seats for women as a temporary measure to address the severe gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political institutions.
It described the bill as a transformative reform capable of significantly improving women’s political participation and strengthening inclusive governance.
ActionAid therefore urged federal and state governments to prioritise gender-responsive public investments, improve access to healthcare and education for women and girls, and strengthen justice mechanisms to ensure timely responses to cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
The organisation also called on Nigeria’s First Lady to champion the passage of the Special Seats Bill as a landmark initiative that could reshape the country’s democratic landscape and expand opportunities for women in leadership.
It further appealed to international development partners to increase funding for women-led organisations and protect civic spaces where women’s rights advocates operate.
ActionAid Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across the country to build a society where women and girls can live free from violence, exercise their rights fully and participate meaningfully in shaping Nigeria’s future.
ActionAid Demands Passage of Special Seats Bill as Nigeria Marks International Women’s Day
FG Releases Emergency Contacts for Nigerians in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has released emergency contact numbers for Nigerian nationals residing in the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria in Abuja, the government urged Nigerians living in affected countries to immediately register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain close communication with officials for guidance and assistance.
The ministry said the contact numbers have been activated to support Nigerians who may require urgent assistance due to the ongoing security situation in parts of the Middle East.
According to the statement, affected citizens are advised to remain calm, follow directives issued by local authorities, and keep in touch with Nigerian embassies and consulates for updates regarding safety measures and possible evacuation arrangements.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform Nigerian nationals in the Middle East that communication channels have been established through the various Nigerian missions in the region,” the statement said.
It added that Nigerians who require emergency support should reach out to the missions through the following phone numbers:
Emergency Contact Numbers for Nigerian Missions in the Middle East
Iran: +989393216872, +989024165493
Israel: +972543340414, +972503673175
Jordan: +962795669949, +962799430414
Lebanon: +96181669403, +96170848080
Qatar: +97466802029, +97450733786
Saudi Arabia: +966503862894, +966532198524
United Arab Emirates: +971504252546, +971503761332
The ministry stressed that the Nigerian missions are working closely with host governments and international partners to monitor developments and ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
Authorities also reiterated that Nigerians in the region should remain where they are until further instructions are issued, particularly in areas where security conditions remain fluid.
The government assured that contingency plans are being coordinated should evacuation become necessary, noting that diplomatic missions have been placed on alert to provide consular assistance to citizens in distress.
The advisory comes amid rising regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, a development that has prompted several countries to issue safety alerts to their nationals in the Middle East.
Officials said further updates would be communicated through Nigerian missions and official government channels as the situation evolves.
FG Releases Emergency Contacts for Nigerians in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
Nigeria Issues Emergency Contacts for Citizens in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
By: Michael Mike
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria) has released emergency contact details for Nigerian citizens residing across the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate in parts of the region.
In a public advisory issued in Abuja on Saturday, the ministry urged Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis to immediately reach out to the nearest Nigerian diplomatic missions and ensure they are properly registered with the embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
The advisory, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa said the move was aimed at strengthening communication between Nigerian authorities and citizens who may require urgent assistance.
According to the statement, Nigerian missions across the region have activated established communication channels to provide support, including emergency guidance and possible evacuation coordination where necessary.
“Nigerian citizens affected by the ongoing crisis should contact the following mobile numbers in case of emergency and also ensure that they are registered with the respective embassy or consulate in their country of residence,” the statement said.
The ministry listed several diplomatic missions and dedicated emergency lines for Nigerians across the region, including the Embassy of Nigeria, Tehran in Iran, the Embassy of Nigeria, Tel Aviv in Israel, and the Embassy of Nigeria, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Other missions providing emergency contacts include the Consulate-General of Nigeria, Dubai, the Embassy of Nigeria, Kuwait which also covers Bahrain, the Embassy of Nigeria, Doha in Qatar, the Embassy of Nigeria, Beirut in Lebanon, the Embassy of Nigeria, Riyadh and the Consulate-General of Nigeria, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, as well as the Embassy of Nigeria, Amman in Jordan which also covers Iraq.
The ministry stressed that Nigerians in the region should remain vigilant, stay in contact with diplomatic missions and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.
The advisory comes amid heightened security tensions across parts of the Middle East, prompting several countries to activate emergency support mechanisms for their citizens abroad.
Officials said the Nigerian government continues to monitor the situation closely through its embassies and consulates while exploring measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians living and working in the region.
Nigeria Issues Emergency Contacts for Citizens in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
ActionAid Demands Passage of Special Seats Bill as Nigeria Marks International Women’s Day
FG Releases Emergency Contacts for Nigerians in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
Nigeria Issues Emergency Contacts for Citizens in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
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