Princess Emem Ibanga hosts NAWOJ, Reiterates Commitment to Humanitarian Collaborations

Princess Emem Ibanga hosts NAWOJ, Reiterates Commitment to Humanitarian Collaborations

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga , on Friday, November 14, 2025, received the Executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, during a courtesy visit at the ministry’s conference room.

Commending NAWOJ for its longstanding contributions to humanitarian causes in the State, the Commissioner expressed delight with the visit and noted that the association has consistently demonstrated commitment to advancing the welfare of women, children, and the vulnerable groups both individually and collectively.

She reaffirmed the ministry’s openness to collaboration, describing NAWOJ as a strategic partner in extending humanitarian services across the State. She emphasized that the ministry’s interventions have been largely successful due to the compassionate leadership of Governor Umo Eno, whose establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, underscores his dedication to the wellbeing of all residents of the State.

Princess Ibanga further lauded the Governor for the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, which provides dignified shelter for the most vulnerable, restoring hope to families in need. According to her, the intervention represents one of the many people-centered programmes driven by Governor Eno’s commitment to grassroots development.

“The government cannot do it all alone. Partnership remains a key pillar for achieving inclusive development, and I sincerely appreciate NAWOJ for considering the ministry worthy of collaboration,” she added.

Earlier, the State Chairman of NAWOJ, Comrade Nsikak Okon, thanked the Commissioner for granting the association audience and for her prompt intervention months earlier when the association raised an urgent humanitarian concern, resulting in the affected individual benefiting from a State intervention programme.

Comrade Okon, explained that the purpose of the visit was to notify the Commissioner of the forthcoming 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign against rape, gender-based violence, and harmful traditional practices. She disclosed that the initiative, scheduled to begin on November 25, would involve school outreach, town hall meetings, and community sensitisation across six selected local government areas.

She expressed confidence that the ministry would support and partner with NAWOJ in driving the campaign, and further appealed for the association’s inclusion in the ministry’s programmes and relevant government interventions, noting that NAWOJ has independently undertaken several humanitarian activities and looks forward to deeper collaboration.

Also in attendance were, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Eno Akpan; Director of Administration, Mr. Edwin James; Head of Accounts, Mr. Emmanuel Okon; Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aniekan Akpan; Head of Humanitarian Services, Mr. Jonathan Thompson; as well as other members of NAWOJ Exco.