The State Governor Dr Alex Otti says his administration recognizes the fact that Information remains one of the catalyst’s for economic growth, cohesion and national transformation.

Dr Otti who stated this while declaring open the 13th edition of Media Institute Training with the theme, “Inspiring Nations Organizations and People Through Media in the Age of AI organized by the President , Vision Africa Radio Umuahia, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, said that no society can make meaningful progress without a responsive and forward looking Media ecosystem.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Information Prince Okay Kanu said that the present Administration is leveraging on Communication Tools to get Citizens informed on the visible transformation and rebuilding agenda in the state.
The Governor said that such training equip media practitioners with relevant skills knowledge and ethical formation in their profession and commended the President Vision Africa Radio Umuahia Archbishop Onuoha, for sustaining the Annual medal training for media practitioners within and outside the State .

In his remarks, the Convener of the Training Archbishop Sunday Onuoha said the media remains a powerful tool in shaping Society adding that the annual media training was designed not just to equip media practitioners with relevant skills, and knowledge but to also enhance their professional growth.
Archbishop Onuoha further encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the training to equip themselves with the modern techniques, and commended the Governor, for his Administration’s commitment towards the development of the State.

Speaking, the Lead Resource Personnel of the training program, Dr Vic Costello reminded media practitioners and the public that AI Technology can amplify knowledge but cannot replace wisdom, generate content and the consciousness that guides a responsive journalism, and enjoined them to make use of AI Technology Advancement wisely.
The training which had different sessions also attracted the presence of National Body of NBC and Media Practitioners across the State.

As Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day, the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for greater inclusion of women in politics, governance, and leadership, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive when every voice is heard and represented.

In a goodwill message to Nigerians, the Chairperson of Abia NAWOJ, Ambassador Norah Okafor, congratulated citizens on the commemoration of Democracy Day, describing the occasion as a moment of reflection on the nation’s democratic journey and the enduring values of participation, accountability, justice, and equal opportunity.

According to her, democracy flourishes best in an environment where women are not sidelined but actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that impact society.

“Today, we celebrate not only our democratic journey but also the values of inclusion, participation, accountability, and equal opportunity for all citizens. Democracy thrives when every voice is heard, and women must continue to have a seat at the table where decisions that shape our society are made,” she stated.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to championing the empowerment of women and encouraging their active participation in governance, stressing that women possess the competence, vision, and leadership capacity required for nation-building.

Abia NAWOJ further called for stronger support systems, mentorship, and opportunities that would encourage more women to contest elections, assume leadership positions, and influence policies that directly affect communities.

Speaking on the role of the media in deepening democracy, Amb. Okafor emphasized that women journalists have a sacred duty to uphold the ethics of the journalism profession through fairness, accuracy, objectivity, and responsible reporting.

She noted that ethical journalism remains a powerful tool for promoting informed civic engagement, amplifying marginalized voices, and strengthening democratic institutions across the country.

“As we mark this Democracy Day, let us work together to build a society where women are empowered, democratic values are protected, and the media continues to serve as a pillar of truth and accountability,” she added.

The association prayed for continued peace, unity, and democratic progress in Abia State and Nigeria at large, wishing all Nigerians a memorable Democracy Day celebration.

The Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has strongly condemned the kidnapping and prolonged captivity of schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing the development as heartbreaking, unacceptable, and a painful reflection of the worsening insecurity in the country.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the Chairperson of NAWOJ Abia State, Ambassador Norah Okafor, the association lamented the harrowing ordeal of the innocent children who have reportedly remained in captivity for over one week, stressing that their only “crime” was attending school in pursuit of education and a brighter future.
NAWOJ expressed deep concern over the emotional and psychological trauma the children, especially the girls, may be enduring in captivity, while condemning the reported killing of a teacher during the incident, describing it as a disturbing indication that the value of human life is increasingly under threat.

The association called on governments at all levels and security agencies to urgently intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue and safe return of the affected children, insisting that no parent should endure the agony of uncertainty over the fate of their child.
The body further urged women across all professions—including journalists, bankers, and other professionals—to rise in collective solidarity and lend their voices against the growing wave of insecurity threatening the future of Nigerian children.
“As mothers and defenders of humanity, we cannot remain silent while innocent children are held captive in forests, separated from their families and exposed to unimaginable suffering,” the statement noted.
In a symbolic show of grief and support for the victims and their families, NAWOJ Abia encouraged female journalists across the state to wear a touch of red until the children regain their freedom.

Reaffirming its position, the association declared that the continued abduction of schoolchildren must no longer be normalized in Nigeria.
“Enough is Enough,” NAWOJ stated, while demanding urgent action to safeguard the lives and future of Nigerian children.