By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos The new Executive Council (EXCO) of Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) was on Friday sworn in b
By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
The new Executive Council (EXCO) of Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) was on Friday sworn in by Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, the Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council.
Ajayi was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Philip Nwosu, the Vice Chairman of the union.
The new executive officers of HEWAN are: Vivian Ihechu, President; Angela Onwuzoo, Vice President; Temitope Obayendo, Secretary; Julius Adekoya, Assistant Secretary; Royal Ibeh, Treasurer; Julie Ekong, Financial Secretary, and Augusta Uchediunor as Assistant Financial Secretary.
Representatives of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), led by Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Christiana Obiazikwor, as well as Mr. Sam Eferaro who represented Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) witnessed the inauguration.
In his remark at the event which took place at NAFDAC office in Oshodi, Lagos, Nwosu while speaking on behalf of the chairman of NUJ, Lagos State Council said that members of HEWAN serve as a link between the NUJ and health institutions.
Clarifying his assertion, Nwosu declared: “During the COVID period, you people were the link between the outside world and NCDC (Nigerian Centre for Disease Control), who were always briefing us and telling us what the situation was. So, I commend the Health Writers Association of Nigeria for doing a wonderful job so far.”
Having observed that many members of the Association do not belong to Nigerian Union of Journalists nor participate in the Union’s activities, the NUJ vice chairman gave a hint that there is a plan to form an online reporters chapel to accommodate those who are not working in the mainstream traditional media.
“For those of you who are online reporters, in a short while we are going to bring you together to also have a chapel of your own.
“In case you say because I don’t have a chapel, I can’t come (to NUJ meetings), in a short while, talks are still going on to bring online journalists, new media together to have a new media chapel. It’s in progress,” the vice chairman assured.
In her acceptance speech on behalf of the new HEWAN Executive Council officers, Ihechu gave an outline of their vision and mission for Health Writers Association of Nigeria.
She said, “My vision for HEWAN is anchored on three pillars: professionalism, advocacy and impact,” and stressed the need to “continuously elevate the standard of health journalism in Nigeria” by means of capacity building, training and adherence to the highest ethical codes.
Ihechu pointed out that there is need for a positive reform in the health sector.
She stressed the need for increased domestic funding, transparency in resource allocation, and accountability from all stakeholders.
“We will focus on stories that not only inform, but also inspire action, challenge norms and hold power accountable,” the new HEWAN leader announced.
In her farewell address, the former president of HEWAN, Chioma Obinna, narrated with satisfaction, her experience in leading the organization.
“Serving as the President of this remarkable association has been one of the greatest honours of my professional journey.
“When I assumed office, I pledged to strengthen the voice of health journalism in Nigeria to ensure that the stories we tell not only inform but also inspire action, reform, and accountability in our healthcare system.
“Today, I believe we have made meaningful strides in that direction.
“Together, we have built bridges between the media and the medical community. We have amplified the voices of frontline health workers, spotlighted critical health challenges, and ensured that the public received timely, accurate, and evidence-based health information.
“From intensive training workshops to health summits, advocacy campaigns, and strategic partnerships our work has left footprints that will endure beyond my tenure,” the immediate past HEWAN president said.
She pointed out that under her leadership the association grew in strength, visibility, and professionalism.
As she explained, “through collaboration with stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, NIMR, NMA, PSN, LASG, WHO, etc, and numerous local and international partners, HEWAN has become a respected voice in shaping health discourse in Nigeria.”
She urged all members of the group to continue supporting the incoming executive officers as they strive to build on the foundation laid and aim even higher.
“The health of our nation depends not just on medical science, but also on accurate, responsible, and impactful health communication and that is our sacred duty as health writers.
“Let us continue to be watchdogs. Let us continue to hold power to account. Let us never forget the people whose stories we tell, the patients in neglected communities, the overworked nurses, the mothers dying in childbirth, the children battling preventable diseases.
“They are the reason we write. They are the heartbeat of our mission.
I may be leaving this office, but I am not leaving the struggle,” Obinna stated.
The ex-HEWAN chief told the audience that the Association is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and that its status is up-to-date.
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