AbdulBaqi tasks women journalists on dedication, ethical leadership
The Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Saudat S. Abdulbaqi, has called on women journalists to demonstrate greater dedication and uphold ethical leadership in the discharge of their professional duties.
The Professor of Mass Communication made the call penultimate Saturday(March 7,2026)while delivering a lecture at the second edition of the Ramadan Symposium organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kwara State Chapter.
Speaking on the theme, “Women in Media: Strengthening Ethical Leadership Through Faith and Professionalism,” the don urged women journalists to go beyond expectations by working harder to achieve greater heights in society.
She noted that attaining leadership positions requires significant effort from both men and women, advising female journalists to strike a balance between their family responsibilities and professional commitments.
She said, “Try and strike a balance between your home and your workplace. It is now up to you to work extra hard and ensure that you do not fail on both sides.
“We need to be more ambitious because society will not give us opportunities on a platter of gold. We must demonstrate commitment and ability to earn them.
Prof. Abdulbaqi further encouraged women to remain resilient while competing favourably with their male counterparts and challenged them to break barriers through hard work, determination and sound judgment.
She also urged female journalists to create opportunities for others through mentoring while maintaining integrity in their professional conduct.
The don said,“We must know that whatever we do is being recorded, and a time will come when the record of our deeds will be played back to us in the presence of Almighty Allah, the Knower of all things.
“We must not take shortcuts at our workplaces, use marriage as an excuse for not delivering on our responsibilities, or use fasting as a reason to be inefficient.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Al-Bab International, Hajia Habibat Otuyo, advised women journalists to serve as role models and avoid actions capable of jeopardising peaceful coexistence.
She reminded them of the need to play a motherly role in tense situations while remaining committed to the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad in the discharge of their duties.
“You must remember that journalism has existed since time immemorial’’ Hajia Otuyo said, adding, ‘‘Historical accounts even show that women played roles in reporting some versions of Hadith’’.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Kwara State, Hajia Bashirat Ayantola-Bello, described the holy month of Ramadan as a period of reflection, sacrifice and spiritual renewal.
She explained that the symposium was designed as a platform for faith, learning and engagement, urging women journalists to uphold truth, fairness and unity in both their professional and personal lives.
