By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has charged members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, to uphold the media’s constitutional responsibility as the watchdog of society.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh gave the charge while addressing NAWOJ members at the Godwin Ezemo International Press Centre, Awka, during activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and the girl child.
She warned that failure of the media to uphold professional ethics through unbiased and accurate reportage poses a serious threat to societal development.
According to her, the media remains the voice of the voiceless, a beacon of hope for the oppressed and a critical force for holding leaders and institutions accountable.
Speaking on the fight against gender-based violence, the Commissioner noted that the media plays a pivotal role in public sensitisation and awareness creation on the dangers of GBV, as well as in promoting the protection and rights of women and the girl child.
She urged journalists to remain steadfast in exposing injustice and advancing social change through responsible and credible reporting.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Anambra State, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejirika, said that the association had resolved to take a bold stand against gender-based violence by driving awareness and advocacy.
“Today, NAWOJ, as an influential body of women in the media, has taken it upon itself to change the narrative by taking a bold stand against gender-based violence, believing that awareness leads to advocacy and advocacy leads to a mental shift,” she said.
She added that NAWOJ was united in its resolve to confront, challenge and ultimately end all forms of gender-based violence.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee of this year’s 16 days of activism against gender base violence, Comrade Obiageli Arinze, said the campaign, tagged “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” was designed to educate, inspire and empower participants.
She explained that the programme featured experts, survivors, advocates and other key stakeholders whose experiences and insights would deepen public understanding of the menace.
Arinze noted the attendance at the event was a clear statement of resolve by stakeholders to refuse silence in the face of the rising trend of gender-based violence.
She stressed that NAWOJ remained committed to building a society where safety and dignity are guaranteed for everyone, irrespective of gender.
According to her, GBV affects families, communities and the very fabric of society, making collective action both necessary and urgent.
She expressed optimism that the lessons from the engagement would translate into stronger advocacy beyond the event venue by all stakeholders.
Prof. Stella Okunna, FIDA President Anambra State ,Amara Muojeke Esq were among the diginitries that graced the event.
Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
