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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
Gunmen abduct 15 passengers, kill one in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men dressed in military uniforms have abducted 15 passengers and killed one person during an attack on a commercial bus in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources confirmed on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 7:30 p.m. at Ado-Okpoga, along the Oju–Ado-Ekiti route.
The sources said the bus, a Hummer vehicle driven by one Gbenga Peter, 35, was travelling from Oju LGA in Benue to Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State with 23 passengers on board when it was intercepted by nine armed men.
“On reaching Ado-Okpoga, the bus was attacked by nine unknown armed bandits wearing army uniforms. Fifteen passengers were abducted into the bush,” the sources said.
During the нападение, one passenger, identified as Idiku Meshak Ogbete, 22, was shot dead. The driver and eight other passengers managed to escape and later reported the incident at Okpokwu Police Station.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Okpokwu was said to have immediately mobilised patrol teams alongside other tactical units, including Operation Whirl Stroke, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards and other security agencies.
“The corpse of the deceased has been removed and deposited at the mortuary in Okpoga. A coordinated search of the surrounding bushes is ongoing to track the suspects, effect arrests and rescue the abducted victims,” the sources added.
Gunmen abduct 15 passengers, kill one in Benue
Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre
By: Michael Mike
Lagos State has taken a major step toward repositioning Nigeria as a global investment destination with the unveiling of a comprehensive roadmap to establish a Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), envisioned as the leading financial hub in West Africa.
The roadmap is contained in a new report titled “Establishing an International Financial Centre in Lagos (LIFC), Nigeria”, produced by TheCityUK in collaboration with the UK Government, Lagos State Government, the Lagos International Financial Centre Council (LIFCC), and EnterpriseNGR. The report was formally launched at the State House, Marina, Lagos.
The high-level event attracted senior government officials, diplomats, and private sector leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria Jonny Baxter, EnterpriseNGR Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and EnterpriseNGR Chief Executive Officer Obi Ibekwe.
The initiative is aligned with Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, positioning the LIFC as a long-term catalyst for economic transformation. According to the report, the proposed financial centre will deepen capital markets, mobilise international investment, drive innovation, and support sustainable economic growth across Lagos, Nigeria, and the wider West African region.
The report underscores the importance of strong public-private collaboration, noting that Lagos’ demographic advantage, expanding financial ecosystem, and strategic location make it well-suited to host an international financial centre that meets global standards.
One of the report’s core recommendations is the creation of an independent IFC framework for Lagos. This model would provide regulatory certainty, simplified tax and policy regimes, and a transparent governance structure aimed at improving investor confidence and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global finance.
To differentiate Lagos from other emerging financial centres, the report identifies three priority sectors for initial focus: green and sustainable finance, fintech and financial innovation, and commodities trading and capital markets. These sectors are considered critical to Nigeria’s future economic diversification and resilience.
The report also highlights the need for robust legal and regulatory reforms, calling for close coordination between Lagos State, the Federal Government, regulators, and the private sector to ensure smooth implementation of the LIFC vision.
Human capital development is another key pillar of the strategy. Recommendations include strengthening local talent pipelines, easing visa requirements for international professionals, and creating an enabling environment that supports skills transfer and high-value job creation for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
In addition, the report proposes competitive and targeted tax incentives, streamlined business processes, and investment-friendly policies designed to attract long-term capital aligned with national development priorities.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to the project, describing the International Financial Centre as essential to boosting market competitiveness and facilitating seamless trading.
“Lagos is Nigeria’s largest economic and financial centre, and we must create an ecosystem that attracts investment, improves liquidity, and strengthens market infrastructure,” the governor said, adding that the LIFC would unlock new opportunities for public-private partnerships in technology and capital market development.
British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter said the report reflects the deepening UK-Nigeria partnership, combining Lagos’ strengths with UK expertise to support financial sector development.
He noted that, if effectively implemented, the LIFC could unlock significant domestic and international investment, expand capital markets, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth beyond Lagos State.
Also speaking, TheCityUK’s Managing Director for International, Nicola Watkinson, described Nigeria as a high-growth market with strong long-term potential. She said the LIFC could play a vital role in attracting global capital, supporting fintech and green finance innovation, and creating high-value employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
With the launch of the report, stakeholders say the focus now shifts to implementation, as Lagos seeks to translate vision into action and establish itself as a globally competitive financial centre for West Africa.
Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
By: Michael Mike
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.
This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.
According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.
For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.
The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.
Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.
For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.
Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.
To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.
“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”
Reservations for the Valentine Weekend Package are now open, with organisers confident that guests will experience a memorable, immersive celebration at what remains one of Abuja’s most vibrant social hubs.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
Gunmen abduct 15 passengers, kill one in Benue
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