The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, on the need to safeguard vulnerable girls and ensure responsible media reportage of sensitive cases.
The association made this known during a courtesy visit to the minister at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where it also presented her with the “Trailblazer in Women Political Representation” award.
Presenting the award, NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, said the recognition was in appreciation of the minister’s commitment to advancing women’s political empowerment and protecting the rights of women and girls.
Ogbeche commended the minister for her intervention in the case of Walida Abdullahi, a young woman at the centre of controversy over alleged abduction of a minor and her relationship with a DSS operative, which resulted in the birth of a baby girl.
She said NAWOJ supports ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Walida and her child, stressing that every girl-child has the right to life, education, and protection.
The vice president also assured the minister of the association’s commitment to responsible journalism, particularly in reporting cases involving minors and vulnerable persons.
“On behalf of women journalists, we apologise for any development that may have portrayed the media in a bad light. We remain committed to ethical standards that protect the dignity of women and children,” she said.
Ogbeche noted that the award, earlier announced during the Zone’s 65th Independence celebration in Lafia, Nasarawa State, was deliberately presented in person to demonstrate NAWOJ’s solidarity with the minister’s work.
Responding, Suleiman-Ibrahim commended NAWOJ for the recognition and urged journalists to avoid undue exposure of Walida and her baby in media reports, including the publication of their photographs.
She reiterated the need for greater sensitivity in reporting issues affecting vulnerable women and girls, adding that the ministry remains committed to upholding their rights and dignity.
The minister also called on NAWOJ to amplify initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development.”
She described the declaration as a significant step toward addressing systemic barriers affecting women and families and strengthening social structures across the country.
The engagement, she said, reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with women journalists as strategic partners in promoting family values and protecting vulnerable groups nationwide.
