By Mimi Chiadikaobi
Mrs Chiamaka Nnake,said that Gov. Charles Soludo, of Anambra, broke the jinx in appointment of sensisitive political seat since creation of the state by her appointment.
Nnake said that her appointment as Anambra first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG),is part of the government driven -initiative aimed at fastening women particiation in leadership and decision making ppsitions.
She made the statement during a courtesy visit by Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Awka
She said that the administration of Gov.Charles Soludo is committed to massive empowerment programmes targeted at women and designed to eliminate barriers limiting their growth and advancement in society.
The SSG, said that she remains strongly supportive of women, but that appointments and promotions should be based on competence and merit rather than gender considerations alone.
She said that the culture of assigning positions solely on the basis of identity, insisting that the most qualified individuals should always emerge for competitive development irrespective of gender
Nnake further observed that women often face cultural biases that compel them to work harder than their male counterparts before gaining recognition,which is an act to be discouraged.
She, however, noted that women are usually more thorough in handling responsibilities and called for genuine and sustained support among women rather than symbolic gestures.
The SSG urged women groups to move beyond trends and embrace sincere solidarity capable of breaking barriers and accelerating women’s progress in society.
Earlier in her remarks, the NAWOJ Chairperson, Tochi Ifejirika, described the association as the women’s with programmes focused on women, children and youths and general development of humanity.
She said the association had continued to project the image of Anambra State positively through strategic media engagements and advocacy programmes and appeal for more partnership with the body for intentional reports grounded in factual nformation.
Ifejirika said that Anambra NAWOJ feels indebted to the governor for his appointment of women in key positions in the state as heads which proves that Mr governor is open to excellency and not closed minded.
She appeal to the governor to look out for women in media in his near appointment knowing that women give in their all in any position of leadership they find themselves.
Ifejika noted the importance of deep engagement of women in leaderdhip because they understand local communities stories and needs, urban needs and challenges and is more passionate about the societal ills and said that engagement of NAWOJ will bring in accurate and effective media coverage of activities hence need for deep media partnership.
She recalled that media report of the association on the emergence of Anambra’s first female SSG gained widespread attention and quickly went viral, and that is how wider coverage of all government policies will be when in partnership with goverment.
In a Similar visit,the association congratulated the Chief of Protocol to the Anambra State Government, Prof. Frank- Collins Okafor, on his appointment, describing it as well deserved.
Responding, Prof. Okafor commended NAWOJ for its contributions to societal development despite the challenges and risks associated with journalism.
He described women as “precious and wonderful,” adding that it was an honour to receive members of the association.
Also the team extended their visit to Mr Christian Aburime ,the chief Press secretary to the governor who expressed willingness to partner more with the association in publicising the government.
Aburime expressed satisfaction with the journalists in the state in their manner of reportage and encouraged them to always report government activities in a way to promote healthy communication between government and the people.
