By Nneoma Ahukanna
For a mutual beneficial collaboration aimed at impacting society, Women optometrists in Nigeria, Imo state chapter, led by Chairperson Dr. Amarachi Oparai, paid a courtesy visit to the chairman and executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Imo chapter at the NUJ press center in Owerri.
This unprecedented visit was borne out of the desire for an effective partnership and fruitful collaboration between the two associations.
Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Nnaji, JP, the Imo NAWOJ Chairman, accompanied by some executives and members, received the August visitors, with whom she engaged in discussing the modalities of the partnership.
Dr. Nnaji, in her remarks, assured them of collaboration between the two associations, which would be mutually beneficial, as she noted that this was the first courtesy call since the inception of the executive and would not be forgotten in a hurry.
Dr. Nnaji informed them that as long as NAWOJ is part of their programs, they are sure of media coverage, airing, and publishing of their news stories, particularly those with human interest angles, while clarification was made on other aspects of media coverage.
Other NSWOJIANS who spoke, including Chika Ewurum, Secretary, and Vivian Iwu, Vice Chairman of the Association, respectively, also assured them of partnership in media coverage within the limits of the various media outfits.
Dr. Mrs. Amarachi Opara, the Chairman of the Imo chapter of Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON), expressed excitement and happiness in her address at the engagement of the two associations in mutually beneficial collaboration and partnership.
She said they were to identify with NAWOJ as part of the objectives to enhance cooperation between other recognized female professional associations within and outside Nigeria in an effort to promote eye health and wellness.
She began by commending NAWOJ for championing the cause of womanhood, being vocal about issues affecting them, advocating for the rights of women and girls, and participating in community development programs, among other efforts.
Giving an update on the activities and programs of women optometrists in Nigeria, Opara solicited NAWOJ’s partnership to aid with media slots for the healthy vision enlightenment campaigns.
To support her with access to other sister professional organizations, incorporate WON in her townhall meetings, and provide material and financial support.