The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), weekend, paid a condolence visit on the leadership of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWD) over the death of the Council’s President, Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau.
Hajiya Lau, who was elected NCWS president in April 2022, died late on Tuesday in Kebbi state while on official visit and was laid to rest on Wednesday in her home state, Taraba.
A press statement by the NAWOJ National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan, on Sunday, disclosed that the NAWOJ delegation was received at the Council’s national secretariat in Abuja by the NCWS 2nd Vice President, Geraldine Etuk, and other executive and members.
She said speaking during the condolence visit, NAWOJ National President, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, who expressed shock at Hajiya Lau’s sudden death, said the Association has accepted it as the will of God, and urged the leadership and all members of the Council to bear the loss with equanimity.
The president, who was represented by the NAWOJ Vice President, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, extolled the virtues of the deceased leader, who she said remained focused on ensuring that the Nigerian woman gained her rightful place in government as she promised following her emergence as NCWS president.
“The news of the death of Hajiya Lami came as a shock to us at the NAWOJ National Secretariat but we have accepted it as the will of God. Her death is a great loss to the nation. It is a loss to all of us as members of the NCWS. We are all mourning but as people of faith we have accepted it as the will of God.
“Hajiya Lami lived an exemplary life as a strong advocate of women empowerment and protector of the rights of women and girls. NAWOJ will always remember her as a hero and champion.
“She has successfully run her race and handed the baton to those of us she left behind. So, we must honour her memory by ensuring that the legacy she has built is sustained and even surpassed.
“Also, her death should be a reminder that we would only be remembered by what we are able to do while we are here and this should motivate us to be committed and not relent in the fight for the protection of the rights of women and girls.”
She further stated that the NAWOJ vice president prayed for the peaceful repose of Hajiya Lami and urged the other executive of the Council to close ranks and work together in order to fill the vacuum created by president’s death.
Responding on behalf of the leadership of the Council, the 1st Vice President NCWS, Mrs. Geraldine Etuk, appreciated the delegation from NAWOJ for paying the condolence visit on the Council.
She echoed the good qualities of the late president, noting that the condolence messages the council has received and the way her life has been celebrated all over the country was a testimony of how well she lived.
She urged NAWOJ and all other women group and well meaning Nigerians to join the seventh day prayer for Hajiya Lami which is scheduled to hold on Tuesday at the Council’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Wasilah listed other members of the NAWOJ delegation include: the Chairperson, FCT Chapter, Mrs Bassey Ikpang; Vice Chairperson, Mrs Rebecca Ukpevo; two former Chaipersons: Comrade Joy Idam and Annah Daniel.
Similarly, she said NCWS executive and members on hand to receive the visitors include: the Council’s 3rd Vice President, Hajiya Binta Ibrahim; the Treasurer, Adenine Oluwakemi Opebi; as well as former NAWOJ President, Evelyn Onyilo.
