NAWOJ demands public apology over harassment of former chairperson

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has strongly condemned the reported harassment of its immediate past National Chairperson, Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the National Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.

In a statement issued by its National Secretariat, NAWOJ described the incident as unacceptable and demanded a public apology from the NRC boss. According to the association, the apology must be published in at least two national newspapers and broadcast on an electronic media platform—radio or television.

The full statement reads:

“The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has taken a firm stance against the harassment of Comrade Ladi Bala, immediate past National Chairperson of the association, by the Managing Director of the National Railway Corporation, NRC, Kayode Opeifa, and is hereby demanding a public apology published in more than one national daily and same also aired in an electronic media organization, i.e Radio or Television, and action to prevent future incidents. For also demeaning the Nigeria Television Authority, her media establishment, an apology should also be sent to that foremost media organization.

“This statement underscores the importance of press freedom and journalists’ safety in promoting transparency and accountability.

“Key points of this Press Release:

1. Condemnation of harassment and intimidation of a member of this organization, in fact, immediate past National Chairperson of this professional media Association.
2. Demand for public apology
3. Call for measures to prevent similar incidents against journalists at the point of carrying out their official and legitimate duties and media engagements or at any other point in their human endeavors.
4. Emphasis on press freedom and journalists’ safety.
We assert that the wellbeing and protection of our members is of paramount importance and interest to us and ask the MD to as a matter of urgency do the needful.”