HARDSHIP: NAWOJ FCT CHAPTER TASK GOVERNMENT ON HIGH COST OF LIVING
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter has called on the Government and other relevant stakeholders to address the current escalating cost of living in the Country, including the FCT.
The call was made at the end of its Congress recently held in Abuja where they deliberated on critical issues affecting the nation.
The meeting which was chaired by the Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, expressed concerns over the escalating cost of living, which has severely impacted the ability of citizens to afford basic necessities.
“The rise in the prices of foodstuffs is particularly alarming, causing widespread hardship and hunger among the populace. This has also reduced the standard of living drastically”.
NAWOJ therefore calls on the Government to implement immediate measures to stabilize the economy and make essential goods more affordable for all Nigerians.
NAWOJ acknowledges the growing discontent among citizens due to food insecurity and hunger. They appeal for all protests and demonstrations to be conducted peacefully, ensuring that the voices of the affected are heard without resorting to violence.
They also called on appropriate authorities to provide adequate security and protection for all the protesters, safeguarding their right to express their grievances without fear of harm or intimidation.
The congress commends the Minister of Women’s Affairs,Mrs Uju Kennedy and the Mandate Secretary for the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins- Laniyi for their relentless efforts in championing the rights and welfare of women and children in the Society as their various interventions and initiatives have significantly contributed to the empowerment of women and the protection of children across the country.
NAWOJ further expressed deep concern over the reported rising cases of child abuse across the Country with particular reference to the Anambra State incident where a 62-year old father allegedly raped his 3-year old daughter. The Association emphasized the need for parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their wards and avoid leaving them in the care of strangers or relatives or friends who may pose as threats to them.
“It is imperative that parents should be extra vigilant to protect their children from potential abusers and predators”.
NAWOJ urges the Government and relevant agencies to intensify efforts in raising awareness and implementing relevant laws to safeguard the children.
While the Association commends the recent decision by lawmakers to reduce their salaries by 50 percent for six months, NAWOJ believes that the gesture could go beyond a temporary measure. They urge the lawmakers to forfeit their entire salaries and reduce their allowances to serve as their contributions towards alleviating the sufferings of the masses.
NAWOJ commends the Federal Government for its decision to increase the minimum wage, describing it as a step in the right direction towards improving the living standards of workers. However, the Association urged the Government to consider further increments to ensure that wages keep pace with the rising cost of living. Additionally, they applaud the Government for reopening the borders which is expected to boost trade and economic activities but called for increased food importation to alleviate the sufferings of the masses.
NAWOJ calls on the Federal Government to ensure that palliatives meant to alleviate the suffering of citizens are distributed directly to the beneficiaries. Appealing that such palliatives should not pass through politicians who may hoard them for future political gains, such as the 2027 elections. NAWOJ stressed that ensuring direct distribution will help in reaching those who need the intervention most.
The Association also expressed its sincere gratitude to the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) for their ongoing support and partnership.
NAWOJ is particularly thankful for the enlightening, informative and engaging lecture delivered by Khadija Hamed Bobboyi, one of the system managers of AHBN who served as guest speakers, on the topic “Reestablishment of Infection Prevention Control Budget Line to NCDC.
