Date: 2017-05-08

Less than two weeks to the National Delegates' Conference of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) holding May 17, 2017 in Edo State, the Deputy President of the association, Hajia Bilqees Modupe Oladimeji, said she is contesting for its presidency to restore life to the association.

Addressing delegates in Lagos yesterday, Oladimeji stressed that she is in the race to give NAWOJ a voice in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

Oladimeji has toured state chapters of the association to solicit delegates' support for the forthcoming conference.

She is vying alongside the incumbent President, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, who was also in Lagos to woo delegates for her re- election.

However, the Deputy President called for maturity in politicking, saying she is contesting not because of any acrimony or grievance with anybody.

"I am contesting as eligible NAWOJIAN who has been in the association for 24 years", she said.

She promised effective use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the running of affairs of the union.

She said members of NAWOJ as mothers have a lot of roles to play in assisting their colleagues in the discharge of their professional duty which she described as tasking.

According to her, members of NAWOJ have a right to excellence and dignity of service.

She said, "I am seeking your support not for anything but for dignity in service. We have lots and lots to do as NAWOJIANs, we are mothers of the nation. I'm seeking your support for improved efficiency and productivity, for effective coordination of NAWOJ activities.

"We are going to inject life into our national Secretariat by effective use of the ICT because we are in a global village. We know our profession is very tasking and we need NAWOJ to support us."

It would be recalled that the Kwara council of the association as well as the entire Stakeholders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had endorsed Oladimeji's candidacy.

Chairman of the state NUJ, Comrade Abiodun Abdulkareem, said Mrs. Oladimeji possesses the right experience, skills and the capabilities to lead the association of women Journalists hence the decision of Kwara NUJ to back her.

A National Auditor aspirant for the NAWOJ, Adesola Jacob, called on members of the association not to allow the contest to threaten the unity of the association.