“NAWOJ Rallies Against National Crisis: Calls for Immediate Action on Gender Violence, Economic Collapse, and Youth Exodus!”
In a fiery and passionate National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano State, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) issued a stark and urgent call to the government, traditional leaders, and Nigerians at large. The communiqué, signed by top NAWOJ officials, paints a bleak picture of the nation’s future, spotlighting issues such as rampant gender-based violence, a deepening economic crisis, a mass exodus of youth, and unsafe roads that have become a death trap for Nigerians.
Unprecedented Outcry on Gender-Based Violence
The NEC’s meeting saw a vehement condemnation of the skyrocketing cases of gender-based violence (GBV), with the council labeling the situation as nothing short of a national emergency. In an impassioned plea, they demanded that the government, religious leaders, and traditional institutions take “decisive and immediate action” to protect Nigerian women and girls from the surge in violent assaults, including rape and domestic abuse. The council’s call for swift and robust interventions has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and social spheres.
Economic Crisis Pushing Families to the Brink
The economic situation in Nigeria also took center stage as NAWOJ unleashed a searing critique of the nation’s inflation rates and skyrocketing food prices. The council described the soaring cost of living as an “unsustainable crisis” that has left millions of Nigerian families struggling to afford basic necessities. NAWOJ called for urgent policy shifts, warning that without swift intervention, Nigeria’s economy could face an even bleaker future.
The “Japa Syndrome” and National Exodus
Perhaps the most startling moment came when NAWOJ turned its focus to the alarming trend of youth migration, often dubbed the “Japa Syndrome.” The council did not mince words, describing the mass exodus of young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad as a “catastrophic loss” for the country’s future. The NEC warned that this migration, if left unchecked, could destabilize Nigeria’s social fabric and hinder national progress. The council called on the government to create opportunities that would keep Nigeria’s brightest minds at home, instead of pushing them abroad in search of a future.
A Nation in Crisis: Roads, Health, and Education Failures
The NEC also took a strong stand on the nation’s crumbling road infrastructure, calling it a “silent killer” as more Nigerians fall victim to preventable road accidents. With the nation’s roads in a deplorable state, NAWOJ demanded that the government prioritize urgent repairs to prevent further casualties.
In another scathing assessment, NAWOJ highlighted Nigeria’s growing education crisis, with the number of out-of-school children soaring to unacceptable levels. The council placed blame squarely on the government for failing to address the root causes of the crisis, which are compounded by widespread poverty and economic hardship.
Call for Immediate Government Action
The NEC’s communiqué ended with a resounding call for action: “If these issues are not tackled immediately, Nigeria’s future is in jeopardy.” They called for immediate government action on road safety, women’s protection, youth empowerment, and economic stabilization, stressing that the country could not afford to wait any longer.
In this explosive and hard-hitting meeting, NAWOJ’s leadership left no stone unturned, holding the government and society accountable for the growing crises facing Nigeria. The communiqué’s release is sure to spark intense debates and calls for action, as the nation stands at a critical crossroads.
Signed:
Adeola Ekine
Chairperson, Communique Drafting Committee
Hannatu Mohammed
Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee
Adesuwa Ehimuan
Member
Anne Daniel
Member