“Respect Defines True Amazons” — Ebonyi NAWOJ Tells Women Journalists

The Ebonyi State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has organized an in-house workshop themed “Respect: A Priceless Attribute of Amazons,” to promote professionalism, mutual respect, and unity among female journalists in the state.

Speaking at the event, the resource person, Comrade Fortunate Ozo, Assistant Manager (News) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and former Chairperson of Ebonyi NAWOJ, described respect as a defining virtue of true amazons women of strength, integrity, and purpose in the journalism profession. According to her, respect is fundamental to human interaction and must be extended to all, irrespective of social status, age, or race. “We should respect people because they are made in the image of God, not because they deserve it. Even when they don’t reciprocate, we must respect people of all classes and constituted authority,” Ozo said.

Drawing from 1 Peter, Romans 12:10, and Romans 13:1, she urged journalists to honor and pray for leaders, emphasizing that every leader is ordained by God. “No leader emerges without God. If we love God, we must obey and respect those He has placed in authority,” she added. Ozo also advised journalists to uphold self-respect and ethical values in their practice. “When you respect yourself, you won’t chase PR or brown envelopes. Your blessings will find you, and people of worth will seek your company because respect attracts dignity,” she said. In her remarks, the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Nkechinyere Oginyi, said the workshop was designed to build members’ professional competence and strengthen the culture of mutual respect among women journalists.

She commended Ozo for her insightful presentation, describing her as “a model of excellence and mentorship in journalism.” The interactive session emphasized teamwork, ethical journalism, and confidence-building as key tools for fostering a respected and united media community in Ebonyi State. Meanwhile, Ebonyi NAWOJ used the occasion to express gratitude to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for appointing Nnenna Oshibe as Personal Assistant in the Office of the Governor’s Wife and Chinwe Eze as a Board Member of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC). The association assured the state government of its continued prayers and support toward sustaining good governance and gender inclusivity.