Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), on Saturday, August 13, commenced her 2022 Annual August Return visitation and enlightenment programme, with a call on mothers to imbibe the culture of cleanliness for a healthy living.
Chairperson of the Association, Comrade Ngozi Ngene, made the call at St. George’s Parish, Ndealor, Aninri local government area and St. Bredan Parish, Obinagu-Uwani, Akpugo of Nkanu West local government area, when the group visited the
parishes, respectively.
Speaking on the topics, cleanliness, the 2023 general election, the chairperson said that a healthy environment brings good health. “When your house is clean, you receive fresh air. When you step into the house you will like to stay there but if your house is dirty, it will be irritating, no one will like to come inside. You will feel uncomfortable It is good for us to keep our homes clean. If your home is clean, you will be happy, it will give you Joy and promote good health,” Ngene said
She advised mothers to stop storing or drying cash crops like African wild mangoes (ogbono/ ugili) in front of their houses. According to her, ugili or ogbono has offensive odour. It attracts flies and makes the environment dirty.
“So, in anything you do, ensure that you do it well, maintain a healthy environment. A healthy environment increases one’s life span,”Ngene said..
She appealed to people who empty waste in drainages during rainfalls to stop. “Dumping of refused in drainages block waterways. It causes erosion and flood to occur. So, desist from doing that. It causes environmental and health hazzard. Anything that is not in use , that has spoilt should be thrown in a designated place for dumping of refused.” she said.
On child upbringing, the NAWOJ chairperson urged mothers to teach their children in the right way they should go
“Teach your children about cleanliness and good dressing code, so that they grow with it. Children should be shown the way of the Lord early in life ,so that they grow with it.
Comrade Ngene also spoke against female circumcision. She told the gathering that female circumcision is a harmful practice against the girl-child. ‘It could lead to bleeding, death and is punishable by law.
On the 2023 general elections, Comrade Ngene urged the women to guard their voters’ cards jealously and try to cast their votes on election day. “If you don’t cast your vote, who will elect the leaders? So on election day, don’t carry basket that you are going to market. Go to the polling unit and vote.It is very important we all come out on election day and vote for the person you want to lead us. Do not allow your children to be used as political thugs. Start now to talk to your children to shun political thuggery.” Ngene said.
The NAWOJ chairperson told the gathering that every year, during August Return, Enugu chapter of NAWOJ goes round the state to enlighten the women.
In her vote of thanks,, the president , CWO, St. George’s parish, Ndealor, Dr. (Mrs) Justina Ikpenwa thanked NAWOJ members for the visit .She said the theme of the annual convention is “Forgiveness”
Ikpenwa urged the women to have forgiving heart and forgive those people who offended them.
She also urged the women to put the lessons they learnt into practice.
Similarly, her counterpart at St. Brendan parish Obinagu ,Uwani,Akpugo , Clara Ani, also thanked NAWO J for the visitation and enlightenment. She urged the women to apply what was taught them in their daily lives.
