The Katsina State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has raised concerns regarding the termination of the services of Fauziya Lawal Mamman Dawai, a female casual worker at Katsina State Radio.
According to Mallama Hannatu Muhammed, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Katsina, Fauziya, who has served for over a decade as casual staff, was abruptly dismissed by the General Manager of Katsina State Radio for missing a scheduled meeting. Contrary to this claim, Hannatu alleged that Fauziya was actually on shift duty within the newsroom, translating a bulletin scheduled for a noon broadcast.
Moreover, Hannatu emphasised that Fauziya had adhered to the necessary protocols by informing her superiors about her newsroom duties to be exempted from the meetings. Despite her compliance, it appears that her efforts were disregarded.
Standing firmly against gender bias in workplaces, the Katsina NAWOJ chairperson asserted that Fauziya’s dismissal over a singular incident is unacceptable, especially considering her consistent dedication and fulfilment of her duties, which she said have contributed significantly to Katsina Radio’s reputation and professionalism.
Amid the controversy, NAWOJ additionally alleged that the dismissed female journalist faced sexual assault at Katsina State Radio, urging a comprehensive investigation into the termination of her service.
Reacting to the development, journalists in the state expressed sympathy for the affected journalist, deeming the situation unfortunate.
One journalist told DAILY POST: “This is disheartening. After her decade-long service, she’s still a casual staff! Reinstating her in the same capacity won’t rectify this injustice. She deserves a permanent appointment.”
Another journalist commented: “I believe His Excellency, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, will rectify this issue and steer the state radio back on the right track. The administration led by Dikko Radda is known for its empathy; I trust they’ll take action.”
Meanwhile, DAILY POST Post learnt that Governor Umaru Dikko Radda has set up a committee to investigate the matter.
