As Nigeria continues to face deepening insecurity, women journalists are stepping forward to define their role in shaping national solutions.
Speaking at a strategic conference on security and national development, Chizoba Ogbeche, Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, issued a passionate call for inclusion, accountability, and action.
“It’s no secret that our country is facing serious challenges,” she said. “These issues have been with us for a while, and now more than ever, everyone is seeking real solutions. For us, it’s about asking: what can we do?
“How can we contribute meaningfully to national security—not just as reporters, but as women, as mothers, and as citizens?”
Ogbeche emphasized that women and children often bear the brunt of crisis, making their voices critical in any national security dialogue.
She said NAWOJ’s ongoing engagements with the military and other security agencies are aimed at clearly identifying how journalists, especially women, can support peace-building efforts and provide life-saving information in times of unrest.
“This conference is not just another gathering. It’s about mapping our roles, understanding our power, and creating a practical communique that outlines what we will do and how we intend to do it,” she stated.
Addressing aspiring journalists, Ogbeche described journalism as a noble profession with constitutional weight. “Ours is the only profession recognized in the Constitution as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. That means we have a special responsibility—holding power accountable and standing as a bridge between the people and their leaders.”
She encouraged young journalists to embrace their calling with integrity and purpose, reminding them that change does not come by silence. “We have the tools, the voice, and the platform. Let’s use them to make Nigeria better.”
As the conference moves toward drafting its action plan, Ogbeche’s message rings clear: women journalists are not bystanders—they are stakeholders, guardians of the truth, and defenders of the vulnerable.
