The invaluable role of women in nation building should be celebrated and encouraged as it is pivotal to development of any nation, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has said.

Fubara said this on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana was re-elected as Chairperson of the Rivers State Chapter of NAWOJ for another three-year term in office.   

Other members of the new Executive of NAWOJ Rivers State Chapter inaugurated at the Conference include Daba Benebo; Vice Chairperson, Edith Chuku; Assistant Secretary, Anita Ogonna; Financial Secretary, and Celine Georgewill as Auditor.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, the Governor said that the role of women in the nation cannot be overemphasized, stating that NAWOJ has become a platform where every woman can imbibe the principle of motherhood.

“There’s a telepathic relationship between NAWOJ and the Executive Governor, so, if we go on peacefully, there will be meaningful development.”

In an interview with Kristina Reports, the Deputy National President of NAWOJ, Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu stressed the need for women to be peace agents and peace actors in and outside the union, urging female journalists to prioritize protecting the interest of their fellow women.

“With our pen, we can ensure peace in our homes and even in the union. Our take home should be that we become peace builders in and outside NAWOJ.”

She congratulated the new Executive on its inauguration, encouraging all Nawojians to support them by attending meetings and programs regularly.

Re-elected Chairperson of NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter, Susan Serekana-Nwikhina promised to give in her best in service of her fellow female journalists, urging them to expect some key achievements within her first 100 days in office.

She stressed that the first three years of being on the sadle as Chairperson of NAWOJ in the State has been a learning ground for her, asserting that she is bent on taking NAWOJ to the next level.

Serekara-Nwikhana expressed appreciation to the State Governor for his invaluable support to NAWOJ, hoping for the best in the years to come.

On her part, Chairman of the Credentials Committee of NAWOJ Rivers State Chapter, Ilanye Chapp-Jumbo said that the journey to conducting a peaceful and credible electoral process was not an easy one.

“No election is small, every election is very mighty even if it appears small, I am happy and I can sleep well, knowing full well that I have delivered”