UPDATE:NAWOJ Adamawa State Chapter Celebrates One Year Anniversary.

By Sammeni Kamsobbi

 Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Adamawa State chapter, has celebrates it's one year anniversary under the leadership of Rose Anthony Elishama with a week-long run activities.

With the theme “Combating Disinformation Amidst Challenging Economy in a Digital World", the activities started on Monday 18th and ran through 24th September, 2023.

The lined up events includes: Peace Work to Discourage Misinformation, Digital Training, Workshop Training, Juma’at prayers, Thanksgiving service amongst others.

The Commissioner Ministry of Information and Strategy, Honourable Mrs. Neido Geoffrey Kofulto, joined in to celebrate with the Female Journalists in the state.

Addressing Journalists at NUJ Press Centre on day one, Neido called on Female Journalists to disengage themselves from disinformation, which according to her causes more harm to the society than good.

Neido said "Women Journalists took the health walk in other to let people know that Female Journalists are not feebleminded, noting that Journalism has no gender disparity, adding that the event also affords them an opportunity to enlighten the citizens on the need to shun misinformation, rather their stories should be verified by news handlers before going public".

The Commissioner commended the efforts put in place by the State Exco, applauding the lined up programmes especially the day two activity, which was a visit to Boronji a Riverine Area, stressing the need to sensitize the community on dangers associated with flood, especially with the recent notice by Cameroonian authorities to Nigerian Government as regards to the release of water from the Lagdo-dam, hence the need to ask people living along river banks to relocate to highlands and safer environment.

The delegation proceeded to Boronji on Tuesday, 19th September for the same mission of informing and educating the community on disadvantages of disinformation and to also make corrections where necessary.

The team was received by the Village Head of Boronji, Mr Barnabas Alandi who expressed gratitude, saying their visit is timely. "We have heard and seen the dangers innolved even though this is not the first time my people are experiencing this, but with the voice coming from Government officials and the women Journalists, we will try our best to avert dangers by taking necessary precautions". He said.

Accordingly on Wednesday, 20th September, a workshop was organised by the State Exco members at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat, Yola. With the topic: Disinformation and Challenging Economy in the Digital World.

During the workshop, lectures were delivered by the Resource Persons, who dwelt on disadvantages of fake news.
Dahiru Garba Muhammad, General Manager, FRCN Fombina and Blessing Tunoh, Founder BONE Communications both emphasized on the need for Journalists to make sure their stories are accurate and factual at all times.

Juma'at prayers by Muslim Sisters took place at FOMWAN Mosque, Olusegun Obasanjo road, Jimeta Yola, on Friday, 22nd, followed by the Thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel Yola, by Christian sisters on Sunday 24th September, 2023.

The State Coordinator of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Adamawa State Chapter, Mrs. Rose Anthony Elishama, introduced the week-long activities, tagged “Combating Disinformation Amidst  Challenging Economy in a Digital World”.  

"The theme was born out of our desire as News handlers to see to it that disinformation does not have a root in the Media Industry. Disinformation is intentional and the outcome always come with dangers". Rose said.

Elishama, noted that it is an additional milestone under her leadership, commending the efforts of Female Journalists and those who came out to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Association.

Rose Anthony revealed that the success story of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Adamawa State chapter, attracted the Association with an award from the National body, and reasons behind the activities is to mark an anniversary and as well, inform and educate the public on the need to know the difference between accurate and fake information, as well as to desist from spreading misinformation.

The State Coordinator, urged, the Media Chiefs to closeranks with the Female Journalists for a safer and healthier environment for the benefits of the State.

She further appreciated the Commissioner Ministry of Information and Strategy Mrs. Neido Geoffrey Kofulto, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development Hon. Wunfe Anthony, Adamwa State Police Commissioner Afolabi Babatola for their support towards the actualization and success of the events.