Malam Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara’s Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, says there is an urgent need to address issues affecting the salary of journalists across Nigeria.
Ajakaye stated this on Wednesday when members of the newly-inaugurated executive committee of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Kwara paid him a courtesy visit in Ilorin.
He said there was the need to prioritise journalists’ welfare, particularly in view of low and often irregular salaries as is common in private media organisations.
“The inadequate support for journalists is concerning, and professional associations should continuously advocate better conditions for their members,” Ajakaye said.
The Chief Press Secretary also called for stronger collaboration between media unions and the state government.
He commended the media for the comprehensive coverage of the initiatives and programmes of Gov. AbdulRazaq’s administration.
Ajakaye assured the NAWOJ body of his office’s commitment to partnering with it and supporting its goals throughout its tenure.
He reaffirmed his office’s openness to collaborative efforts, and pledged his support for the association’s success.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Kwara, Hajia Bashirah Ayantola, commended Gov. AbdulRazaq’s administration for its commitment to gender equality.
She noted the appointment of women to significant positions across state ministries.
Ayantola explained the unique responsibilities women face in both domestic and societal roles and requested continued government support to help them fulfill these responsibilities effectively.
Also speaking, former National Vice-President of NAWOJ, Hajia Bilikis Oladimeji, emphasised the importance of addressing gender-related issues, which are a priority worldwide.
She commended Gov. AbdulRazaq for his proactive stance on gender issues within the state and praised the administration’s recent initiatives.
“These are initiatives such as the statewide programme for treating hypertension and diabetes,” Oladimeji said.
