NAWOJ To Review Its Organizational Structure

By Nkiru Okeke

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning its organizational structure to meet international best practices.

National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala stated this at a three-day workshop on Strategic Plan Development organized by the Association in Abuja with support from Action Aid Nigeria.

According to her, the strategic plan development is under the Women Voice and Leadership project of Action Aid Nigeria, funded by Global Affairs Canada.

Comrade Ladi Bala stressed the need to review the work plan that would translate to the vision and mission statement of the Association to impact positively on society and meet the realities of the day.

“The last work plan we have was developed 10 years ago and sponsored by UNDP, which had long expired, hence the work plan is no longer tenable today”.

The President commended Action Aid Nigeria and Global Affairs Canada for their commitment and support towards this project aimed at changing the narratives of NAWOJ operations.

“On our own as an association, it would have not been possible because of the huge financial requirements of bringing national officers together to brainstorm on the way forward for NAWOJ”.

Comrade Bala also noted that the women’s voices in leadership of Action Aid Nigeria have helped in giving NAWOJ a dual identity as a Network and Non-Governmental Organization posture to deliver effectively on its mandate.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Helen Udofa urged the participants who are leaders of the Association to utilize the opportunity and add value to the Association and the society at large.

According to her, NAWOJ needs funding to implement some of the laudable projects at hand thus the need not to take the opportunity for granted.

“Action Aid Nigeria came to our rescue by making NAWOJ one of the organizations to implement the WVL project and we know from here the sky will be our starting point”.

On his part, The Resource person, and the Head, of Free Expression and Pluralism, Institute for media and society, Mr Sunny Dada who explained the need for NAWOJ to leverage on its network assets to reposition the Association, noted that the document would provide future direction for NAWOJ in 5-10 years.

Some of the participants expressed optimism that the work plan would advance the course of members, women, children as well as the less privileged in the country.

Edited By Grace Namiji