NAWOJ AND SMEDAN LAUNCH ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING FOR FEMALE JOURNALISTS IN FCT

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has initiated a groundbreaking entrepreneurship training program for female journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The program, which started on September 22, 1, 2025, aims to empower 60 female journalists with practical entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and access to business development services, NAWOJ FCT Media Team said in a statement.

NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to SMEDAN and partners for supporting the initiative, describing the training as a long-awaited opportunity to make female journalists more self-reliant. “I am happy this program has become a reality. My hope is that participants will benefit immensely such that they have something to fall back on when they retire from active media practice. Beyond that, the knowledge acquired here will also sharpen how we report on economic growth and the SME sector,” Aisha Ibrahim said.

FCT NUJ Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, hailed the initiative as timely, stressing women journalists need multiple income streams to augment their often meager salaries. “My desire has always been that women journalists have sustainable side businesses. This workshop is timely, but I appeal that participants receive starter packs to translate the lessons into reality,” she noted.

NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, thanked the National leadership for selecting the FCT as the pilot location and assured members would maximize the opportunity. Bassey Ita Ikpang urged participants to keep an open mind, learn new ideas, unlearn outdated practices, and relearn innovative approaches.

Mrs. Olabimpe Fawale, Head of Women & Youth Division at SMEDAN, explained the partnership is a strategic intervention aimed at giving women journalists practical skills and resources. “Our goal is to provide Nigerian women with not just knowledge but the tools, mentorship, and services to transform ideas into sustainable businesses. This partnership with NAWOJ embodies our vision of building a stronger, more inclusive economy driven by empowered women,” she said.

The training, supported by ICSS and CAPSTONE, includes physical and online sessions, mentorship, and business development services, covering critical entrepreneurship areas to enhance financial independence of women journalists.