A former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Former Vice President of the Gender Council International Federation of Journalists, Fatimah Abdul-Kareem, in a new year message, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, resilience, and hope in the face of unprecedented challenges.
As 2024 unfolds, Fatimah Abdul-Kareem envisions a year of healing, growth, and the beginning of a brighter future for Nigeria.
While reflecting on the hardships of 2023, she said: “More than ever before, the year brought unprecedented hardships on average Nigerians, particularly the less-privileged.”
The veteran journalist acknowledged the indomitable spirit of humanity, emphasizing that these challenges revealed the nation’s capacity to endure and rise above adversity.
Highlighting the lessons learned, Abdul-Kareem emphasized, “The travails of 2023 have taught us that unity and togetherness are more important than ever.” She underscores the need for collective effort, understanding, and tolerance in nation-building.
Encouraging Nigerians to carry these lessons forward, she stated, “Let us pledge to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, where empathy guides our actions, and where inclusivity is the norm.”
The gender advocate also urged citizens to support the government at all levels: “Now, more than ever, we must hold onto hope and support the government at all levels, as well as be more patriotic to our country than ever before.”
The journalist also expressed concerns about security challenges, especially recent events in Plateau and Kaduna States, while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian security apparatus to be more proactive. She said;, “It is highly crucial to be more vigilant and committed to the safety of lives and properties of the people, to ensure peace, security and stability of Nigeria at large.”
Wishing President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerian citizens the best, she urges, “Together, let us step into the new year with hope in our hearts, unity in our actions, and resilience in the face of adversity.”
