Anambra HoS Urges Young Mothers, Journalists to Uphold Responsibility and Ethics
By Chizoba Njaka
The Head of Service, Anambra State, Barr. Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, has called on young mothers to prioritize their domestic responsibilities and urged journalists to exercise diligence in verifying reports to prevent avoidable harm.
Barr. Iwouno made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), to her office in Awka. She stated that young mothers must remain committed to their purpose in order to uphold moral and societal values, noting that the neglect of domestic duties could weaken child upbringing and contribute to broader social challenges. “The virtuous woman fulfills her duties at home. She raises her children rightly and receives guests with hospitality, for charity begins at home,” she added.
The HoS further cautioned against excessive engagement in activities outside the home that detract from child-rearing responsibilities, describing such patterns as detrimental to family stability. “The training of children begins at home,” adding that parental negligence remains a fundamental cause of many family and societal challenges.
Barr. Iwouno used the opportunity to highlight the media’s role as the conscience of society and stressed the need for accuracy and accountability in reporting. “At times, the publication of unverified information inflicts damage comparable to defamation, reducing news to mere gossip,” she observed. She called on media practitioners to return to the fundamentals of the profession and reinforce ethical standards.
On governance, she commended the state administration, noting that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has pursued an inclusive approach that includes the settlement of outstanding pension and gratuity obligations to retirees.
Earlier, the NAWOJ State Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika congratulated Mrs. Iwouno on her appointment, describing her as a “virtuous mother” who acts decisively and without compromise. She affirmed NAWOJ’s dedication to partnering with and supporting women in leadership, while emphasizing the association’s focus on mentorship, professional development, and the advocacy of women’s and children’s rights.
Comrade Ifejika also solicited the Head of Service’s support for NAWOJ members serving as State Information Officers and called for strengthened collaboration with the association. She assured that NAWOJ would remain committed to promoting and projecting the governor’s administration and its activities.
In her vote of thanks, Comrade Joy Mbachi of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed appreciation for the Head of Service’s determination and doggedness, and called for enhanced collaboration with the association.