The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) NCWS has condemned what it described as the “dehumanization, intimidation, and public humiliation” of the immediate past President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ladi Balla.
NCWS National President, Princess Edna D. D. Azura, in a statement on Sunday, said the organization, on behalf of Nigerian women, was outraged by reports that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa, publicly assaulted and intimidated Balla.
She explained that her discussion with the former NAWOJ leader confirmed the accounts already reported in several media outlets.
“This shameful act is unacceptable. It is not only an assault on Ladi Balla but also an attack on the dignity of every Nigerian woman,” Azura stated.
The NCWS demanded an unreserved public apology from Mr. Opeifa, as well as a commitment from the NRC to prevent future incidents of intimidation or gender-based violence (GBV).
“Nigerian women will not remain silent in the face of oppression, harassment, or any attempt to undermine our role in national development,” the statement added.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of women and the girl child, while urging government institutions, civil society groups, and the media to ensure that women in Nigeria are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity at all times.
