Betara Vows to Construct NAWOJ National Secretariat in Abuja
Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has made a firm commitment to deliver a state-of-the-art National Secretariat for the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Abuja. Additionally, he has officially endorsed the upcoming Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, an initiative spearheaded by NAWOJ in partnership with African Independent Television (AIT).
Personal Pledge for Infrastructure Development
During a courtesy visit on Thursday, Betara received a delegation led by NAWOJ National Chairperson Aisha Ibrahim. In response to the association's request for support in developing its newly acquired land in Lugbe, Abuja, the lawmaker assured that he would take personal responsibility for the project. "I will build it for you. I assure you, I will personally ensure that NAWOJ has a befitting national secretariat," Betara declared emphatically.
He further outlined plans to collaborate with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to secure essential institutional backing. "I will discuss with the Minister and ensure that this is taken up. I will talk to him so that he will give the necessary support and we can move this forward," he added, emphasizing the importance of due process for faster approvals.
Endorsement of WINSEC 2026 Initiative
Beyond infrastructure, Betara praised the WINSEC 2026 initiative, which aims to recognize courage, dedication, and sacrifice in national security service. He described it as a timely and impactful effort that highlights the critical contributions of women in the security sector. This endorsement underscores his support for gender inclusion and professional recognition within Nigeria's development framework.
NAWOJ's Role and Recognition
Aisha Ibrahim, during the visit, formally informed Betara of his nomination for an award in recognition of his contributions to constituency development, particularly in women and youth empowerment. She also disclosed that NAWOJ has secured a Certificate of Occupancy for the land in Lugbe, paving the way for the secretariat construction. Betara expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to sustained collaboration with the association.
This development highlights the growing engagement between policymakers and the media in strengthening institutional capacity and advancing gender inclusion within Nigeria's democratic and development landscape. It reflects a proactive approach to supporting professional journalism and amplifying women's voices across the country.
