Union rallies behind Ladi Bala, vows zero tolerance for abuse of women in journalism
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned in strong terms the verbal assault on veteran broadcaster and immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
Bala, a correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was at the scene of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment on August 27, covering the aftermath of the incident, when she was allegedly subjected to a torrent of abuse by the NRC boss.
Eyewitnesses said Opeifa disrupted her live broadcast and lashed out:
“You are stupid, your management is stupid. Foolish woman. Look at you, you are not even properly dressed, useless. Who is watching NTA?”
He was also reported to have ordered security operatives to stop the coverage, threatened to report Bala to security agencies and the Presidency, and vowed to block her from covering any NRC event in the future.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described Opeifa’s conduct as “dehumanizing” and “a direct attack on democracy, accountability, and women in journalism.” The union said such intolerance reflects a growing hostility toward the media by some public officials.
“This goes beyond an insult to one reporter. It is an attempt to silence women in the media, intimidate professionals, and deny Nigerians their right to know. We will not tolerate it,” the NUJ said.
The council further disclosed that even its Chair, Comrade Grace Ike, was insulted when she attempted to hear Opeifa’s side of the matter.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the NUJ cited Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee journalists the right to hold public officers accountable. The union demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Opeifa and called on the NRC management to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.
“We stand firmly with Comrade Ladi Bala. No woman journalist — and no journalist at all — should ever face harassment in the course of duty. An insult to one is an insult to democracy itself,” the statement added.
The NUJ urged relevant authorities to provide a safe and respectful environment for media practitioners, warning that attempts to muzzle the press would undermine accountability and erode public trust in democratic governance.
