FIC Report (Benue State) – The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Benue State Chapter, Comrade Elizabeth Achaiah, has called for renewed commitment from governments, institutions and communities toward protecting women’s rights and promoting gender equality.
Comrade Achaiah made the call on Thursday 12th March ,2026 during the commemoration of International Women’s Day held at the NUJ House in Makurdi.
She said the annual celebration provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements, resilience and invaluable contributions of women to society, while also reflecting on the progress made toward equality and empowerment.
According to her, women across the world continue to demonstrate courage and determination despite numerous challenges, breaking barriers in leadership, education, business, governance, science and other sectors.
She noted that the occasion also honours women who have consistently stood against injustice and advocated for a more inclusive and equitable society.
“We celebrate the mothers who nurture families, the traders who sustain our markets, the professionals who drive development, and the young girls whose dreams will shape the future of our communities,” she said.
Comrade Achaiah explained that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice and Action,” calls for deliberate steps to ensure that women’s rights are not only recognised but fully protected and promoted.
She stressed that achieving gender equality requires sustained action, collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders, noting that despite progress made over the years, many women still face challenges such as discrimination, gender-based violence, limited access to opportunities and economic inequality.
The NAWOJ Chairperson therefore urged policymakers and relevant authorities to implement policies and programmes that promote girls’ education, strengthen women’s economic empowerment, and guarantee safety and dignity for women in all spheres of life.
Addressing market women across the state, she acknowledged the daily challenges they face, including limited access to financial support, unsafe market environments and poor sanitation facilities.
“Despite these challenges, women continue to demonstrate resilience by providing essential commercial services to the public,” she said.
Speaking on the sub-theme “Give to Gain,” Comrade Achaiah encouraged women to contribute their time and resources to community development. She also urged women in Benue State to continue supporting and uplifting one another, noting that unity among women remains a powerful force for positive change.
She congratulated women journalists and market women across the state on the occasion and wished them a meaningful celebration.
In a goodwill message, the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Strategic Communication, Mrs Bridget Itikyaa, commended the NAWOJ chairman for organising the meeting in collaboration with market women, describing it as a first-of-its-kind initiative.
She encouraged the women to remain confident in benefiting from government programmes such as primary healthcare services and educational support materials provided through SUBEB.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Environment and Climate Change Amelioration Initiative (ECCAI), Mrs Victoria Esa, emphasised the need for women to educate their children on proper environmental hygiene in order to prevent diseases such as diarrhoea and Lassa fever.
She observed that some markets in the state lack basic sanitation facilities, including toilets and waste management systems, which are necessary for maintaining a healthy trading environment.
Mrs Esa therefore urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness around their homes and surroundings, noting that those unable to clean their environment themselves should engage others to do so.
She commended Comrade Achaiah and members of NAWOJ for initiating the collaboration with market women.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Mrs Dorcas Ayuba from Wadata Market and Mrs Charity Bade from High Level Market in Makurdi lamented the indiscriminate dumping of refuse near the riverside close to the market square, where fresh fish is sold, resulting in unpleasant odours and unhealthy conditions.
They called on government agencies responsible for environmental sanitation to urgently address the situation.
The traders also appreciated the NAWOJ chairman and members for presenting them with sanitation materials to support environmental clean-up efforts.
The event concluded with the presentation of cleaning materials to the market women.
Bridget Tarker
For: Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi.
