From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki yesterday, urged the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to see the election of their new executive officers as that of a family affair in order to move the union forward.
He gave the charge when he opened the NAWOJ Triennial National Delegates Conference open in Benin, Edo State capital.
The governor warned contestants against hate speeches and campaign of calumny that could tear the association apart.
“I want to urge all of us not to be like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where we have inconclusive elections. Women are known to be fair and just. Let us take this election as a family issue. We should not belittle ourselves through the use of hate languages and bitterness. When there is bitterness, how do you look at yourself when you see each other tomorrow? A house that is divided against itself cannot stand. You can achieve a lot when you come together as a group because you cannot achieve anything when you are divided,” he said.
Represented by the state Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idaho, Obaseki urged the delegates to avail themselves the opportunity to move round the city and see the developmental stride of the administration.
In her welcome address, Chairperson of Edo State chapter of NAWOJ, Flora Bossey, said the association is committed to catering for and championing the cause of female journalists in Nigeria.
She said NAWOJ is known for advancing the career of women journalists by means of training and skills acquisition.