By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has expressed its readiness to deepen collaboration with diplomatic missions in Nigeria to advance women’s empowerment, gender inclusion, and leadership participation.
This commitment was underscored at a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, in honour of female ambassadors serving in the country. The event was attended by the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, alongside members of the association.
The luncheon provided a valuable platform for relationship-building, experience sharing, and constructive dialogue on issues affecting women and girls, with discussions centred on future areas of mutual cooperation.
Distinguished female ambassadors from various diplomatic missions, including Germany, Sweden, Botswana and Cuba, participated in the engagement. Conversations focused on women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, social protection, political participation, and the urgent need to tackle gender-based violence.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Ita Ikpang expressed gratitude to the Finnish Ambassador for the invitation and commended Finland’s global leadership in promoting gender equality and inclusive development.
She described NAWOJ as a professional network of women journalists across
Nigeria’s 36 states, supported by a proactive national leadership committed to amplifying the voices of women and girls, strengthening public-interest journalism, and simplifying public policies to enhance grassroots engagement and accountability.
According to her, the FCT Chapter boasts over 350 women journalists working across print, broadcast, and online media platforms nationwide. She noted that NAWOJ plays a strategic role in bridging the gap between government institutions, development partners, and citizens through credible and ethical journalism.
Highlighting the association’s grassroots outreach, the NAWOJ FCT Chairperson Ms Bassey Ita Ikpang recalled its partnership with the Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers during the last International Women’s Day celebrations in the FCT, which targeted rural communities with advocacy messages on women’s rights and health.
Looking ahead, she announced plans for major public engagement activities in 2026, including programmes in partnership with the German Embassy, reflecting NAWOJ’s growing collaboration with the diplomatic community. Comrade Bassey also appealed for support in capacity-building initiatives for female journalists, particularly in mobile journalism and the application of artificial intelligence in digital content creation.
She explained that such training would enhance competitiveness, promote economic empowerment, and strengthen women’s leadership in the digital economy. Comrade Bassey Ita ikpang assured the diplomats that NAWOJ FCT remains committed to amplifying the development programmes of diplomatic missions, spotlighting advocacy initiatives, and supporting evidence-based campaigns through responsible and impactful journalism.
In their remarks, Ambassador Selin and other female ambassadors thanked NAWOJ for the engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting women’s leadership, inclusive governance, and gender equality in Nigeria.
Participants at the luncheon unanimously emphasised the need for stronger female representation in governance and leadership, noting that current figures still fall short of United Nations targets on gender inclusion.
The engagement marked a significant step in strengthening relations between NAWOJ and the diplomatic community, laying a solid foundation for sustained collaboration aimed at advancing the rights, opportunities, and voices of women and girls across Nigeria.
