The Healthcare Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has elected a new executive council to lead the association for the next administrative session, following a successful election and inauguration.
Leading the new executives was Vivian Ihechu of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as president, and Angela Onwuzoo of The Punch Newspaper as vice-president.
Others include, Temitope Obayendo, of Pharmanews, as general secretary; Abimbola Adekoya of Diagnostic News Reporters (DNR) as assistant general secretary; Royal Ibeh of Leadership Newspaper as treasurer; Julie Ekong of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as financial secretary;and Augusta Uchedinor of NAN as assistant financial secretary.
Inaugurating the new HEWAN executives on Friday, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapter, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, urged them to prioritise increase in membership, while ensuring inclusivity and continuity. Represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr Philip Nwosu, Ajayi commended members of the association for their efforts in providing credible reportage on health facilities, related organisations and the nation’s health sector at large.
He urged the new executives not only to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors but also to work towards expanding the association’s membership.
“Endeavour to carry all members along in the discharge of your respoinsibilities.As new executives, you are expected to build on the achievements of your predecessors and take HEWAN to greater heights.
“Most importantly, make every effort to grow the association’s membership and always identify with the state chapter of the NUJ by attending its congresses regularly,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, the President, Mrs Vivian Ihechu, expressed appreciation to the outgoing executives for their tireless efforts and for laying a solid foundation upon which the new team would build.
She described the mission of health writers as more critical now than ever before. In a nation grappling with significant health challenges from infectious and communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, cholera, Lassa fever and malaria to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, she said accurate, timely and impactful health information is essential.
Ihechu explained that her vision for HEWAN was anchored on three pillars: professionalism, advocacy and impact.
“HEWAN must remain at the forefront of this vital endeavour. We must continuously raise the standards of health journalism in Nigeria. This involves investing in capacity building, training, and upholding the highest ethical standards.
“We will seek partnerships to support specialised workshops, enhance digital literacy and implement fact-checking initiatives to combat the scourge of misinformation that often endangers public health,” she stated.
Appreciating members for their support towards the success of her tenure, the outgoing HEWAN President, Chioma Obinna, urged them to give same support and more to the new executives.
She highlighted the achievements of the association under her watch, how they built bridges between the media and the medical community, 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.
“Our association has also grown in strength, visibility, and professionalism. 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. And I am especially proud of our members who continue to report with courage, clarity, and commitment, even in the face of daunting challenges,” she enthused.
The HEWAN Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Sola Ogundipe, also congratulated the new and old executives, for a successful election and inauguration, adding that the electoral process was seamless and devoid of complaints.
He disclosed that candidates for the positions of the president, vice president, financial secretary, assistant financial secretary, and treasurer, were unopposed. While the positions of the general secretary and assistant general secretary, were contested.
“After the elections, the collation of results, we had clear results without ambiguities. And for the position of assistant secretary, there were three contestants.
“Mr Abimbola Adekoya, at the end of election, emerged the winner with a total of 16 votes. And he contested against Ijeoma Nwanosike with 11 votes and Aderayo Olaiya, with 8 votes.And for the position of the general secretary, the contest was between, Temitope Obayendo and Medinat Kanabe. Obayendo scored a total of 29 votes, which is 82.86% of the votes to emerge winner, while Kanabe Medinat a total of 6 votes, which equals to 17.14% of the votes.”
The inauguration ceremony also featured goodwill messages from various health institutions and agencies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Public Relations at NAFDAC, Mrs Christiana Obiazikwor, appreciated the association and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to continue the partnership.
The Director- General of NIMR, Prof., represented by Mr Sam Eferaro, urged the EXCO and association to show professionalism in communicating health and medical issues and breakthroughs.
He urged them to ensure that their stories educate, inform, and empower individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding their health as well as stimulate implementation, monitoring and sustainability of policies aimed at advancing the country’s health sector.
