Eniola Yekini
The Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ in the South West, BZone ,Mrs Adeola Adekunle has urged relevant stakeholders and society at large to make concerted efforts in giving adequate supports to female journalists and women at large for the development of the country.
Adekunle stated that giving enough supports to women journalists would boost their natural endowments and confidence in the interest of the nation.
The Vice President gave the submission on Thursday while delivering her opening remarks at the South West Summitt hosted by the Oyo state chapter of NAWOJ.
The Hosting Chairperson was Comrade Omolola Alamu.
The Former Zonal Director ,Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station,Mrs Bolatito Joseph delivered the Summit Lecture on the theme — “Women Driving Peace and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria: Her Voice, Her Power”.
Adekunle who described the theme as timely decried the grievous effects of conflicts in the society added that adequate supports to female journalists and women at large, would serve as enablement to women folk in performing the expected roles.
Her words
“Across our nation today, we see conflicts that divide communities, threaten livelihoods, and test our unity. But we also know this truth: where women are given space, evil fades.
“When women report conflict, we tell fuller stories.
We ask different questions. We centre victims, not just victors. We humanize statistics.
We expose the impact of violence on families, children, and communities.
“This is why our theme matters:
Women Driving Peace and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria: Her Voice, Her Power.
“But power must be protected.
Power must be sharpened.
Power must be organized.
“Today, women journalists face three urgent realities:
First: Safety.
Second: Representation.
Women are still underrepresented in editorial leadership and decision-making spaces.
Third: Sustainability.
“Many women journalists are leaving the profession not for lack of passion, but because journalism no longer sustains them. Poor pay, job insecurity, and burnout are forcing brilliant women out of the industry. This is a crisis we must confront honestly.
“This summit is our response.
We are here to build skills that protect us.
We are here to build networks that strengthen us.
We are here to demand systems that respect us.
But beyond journalism, this conference speaks to Nigeria’s future.
“To policymakers, media owners, and institutions represented here today:
Supporting women journalists is not charity. It is nation-building.
To my sisters in NAWOJ:
Your voice matters.
Your safety matters.
Your presence in journalism matters.”
Adekunle therefore urged the participants to harness the event as a new beginning in supporting and recognizing women in the society
“Let this summit mark a turning point — from endurance to empowerment, from silence to strategy, from survival to leadership.
“We did not gather here to be inspired alone.
We gathered to be equipped, connected, and activated.
I welcome you to a conference that dares to speak truth, challenge power, and reclaim space.
“Welcome to the NAWOJ Southwest Summit.
May our voices be louder, our stories truer, and our impact undeniable.
“Today’s summit is a call to reflection and action. It asks us to look inward — at how we tell our stories — and outward — at how we influence society. It reminds us that our power is not only in holding the microphone, but in using it responsibly, courageously, and compassionately.”the NAWOJ VP said.
The event among other things featured award presentation to distinguished personalities.
The summit graced by the Oyo state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Council Comrade Akeem Abas, was attended by all the NAWOJ Chairpersons and Secretaries in the South West among other dignitaries.