NAWOJ Condemns Rape of Minors, Urges Pregnant Women to Use Accredited Facilities, and Applauds Ban on Sachet Alcohol
By Uche Kalu
The South-East Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for improved welfare for women and children, strengthened maternal healthcare systems, and heightened vigilance on road safety and online interactions, following its zonal meeting held on Friday, November 14, 2025, in Enugu.
The meeting, which took place at Lyon De Gold Hotel beside the NUJ Enugu State Secretariat, was presided over by the National Vice President, Zone C, Comrade Amaka Agbo, and hosted by the Enugu State Chapter of NAWOJ.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the deliberations and signed by Comrade Amaka Agbo,National Vice President, Zone C and Comrade Doris Chioma Alex,
Zonal Secretary, Zone C, the ZEC commended the Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma, for supporting and sponsoring the forthcoming NAWOJ National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting scheduled to hold in the state. The Committee noted that the gesture underscores the governor’s commitment to promoting the development initiatives of the South-East region.
The Committee also congratulated the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on his victory at the recently concluded Anambra Governorship election, describing the outcome as a testament to the people’s confidence in his leadership.
Similarly, the ZEC applauded the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the First Lady for what it described as laudable achievements within their first two years in office, highlighting ongoing programmes targeted at improving the welfare of women and children.
On maternal health, the ZEC urged pregnant women across the region to patronize accredited healthcare facilities for antenatal services to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. It also appealed to healthcare practitioners to adopt proactive measures in safeguarding pregnant women during pregnancy and childbirth. Expressing concern over the increasing cases of rape involving minors in the country, the Committee condemned the trend and called on security agencies and relevant government bodies to enforce stringent measures to deter offenders and ensure justice for victims.
The communiqué further advised young girls to be cautious when engaging in online dating. It urged them to hold physical meetings only in public places and, preferably, in the company of trusted friends or family members to avoid falling prey to criminals.
The Committee also commended the National Assembly for passing the bill banning sachet alcohol, saying the decision would help curb youth restiveness, health complications, and other societal vices linked to indiscriminate consumption of cheap alcoholic beverages.
With the festive season approaching, the ZEC appealed to drivers and other road users to exercise heightened caution, stressing that safeguarding lives and property in the South-East remains a priority.
The Committee observed a minute’s silence in honour of late Mrs. Ozioma Okereke of the Abia State NAWOJ Chapter, who recently passed on and has been laid to rest. It prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and urged her family to find strength to bear the loss.
As preparations intensify for the NEC Meeting in Imo State, the ZEC wished all members safe travels and expressed confidence that the gathering would be memorable and result-oriented.
