The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter has paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai on Thursday, the 12th of March, 2020.
The Chairperson of the association, Comrade Stella Okoh Esene led the delegation to the army headquarters where the event took place.
In her remarks at the occasion, she informed the COAS and some of his officers including principal staff officers that the association is commemorating the international Women’s Day in this month of March.
She, on behalf of the group, commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army in ensuring peace and security in the North East and other parts of Nigeria and assured the COAS of the support of NAWOJ in the army’s struggle to end insurgency, terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
Comrade Stella further used the opportunity to acknowledge the roles of the Nigerian Army in paving the way for the inclusion of more women in the service.
Lt Gen Buratai while thanking the delegation, stated that the theme for the year 2020 International Women’s Day which is – “Gender Equality: Realizing the Rights of Women” is apt.
He also informed the delegation that the Nigerian Army has since realized the roles of women and had placed them in their proper positions.
According to him – “Here in the Nigerian Army women have participated in combat roles, show of force exercises and operations such as exercises Harbin Kunama, Hadarin Daji, Crocodile Smile and Operation Lafiya Dole.
” We accorded women equal rights in the army and so the issue of fight against inequality or the clamor for gender equality could be easily achieved through empowerment and acquisition of employment and requisite skills.
“Differences of inequality will disappear if women position themselves strategically through educational empowerment and/or financial empowerment”.
General TY Buratai thanked the association for the visit and for acknowledging the army’s efforts in the struggles to ensure a secured, peaceful and prosperous country. He urged them to continue to project the activities and image of the Nigerian Army.
Among members of the NAWOJ’s delegation included Evelyn Onyilo, Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru, Amaka Solomon, Gloria Josai, Odugbo Sarah and Nkiru Okeke among others.