By Queen Kunde
The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has launched a landmark entrepreneurship training for female journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative, which kicked off on Monday, September 22, will run in two cohorts of 30 participants each, reaching 60 women journalists with hands-on entrepreneurial skills, mentorship opportunities, and access to professional business development services.
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, described the program as “a long-awaited opportunity” that will make female journalists more self-reliant and sharpen their reportage on Nigeria’s economy and SME sector.
“My hope is that participants will benefit immensely such that they have something to fall back on when they retire from active media practice,” she said at the inauguration.
FCT NUJ Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the program as timely, noting that many women journalists struggle on modest salaries and need sustainable side businesses. She appealed for financial starter packs to help participants translate their new knowledge into tangible ventures.
NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, praised the national leadership for choosing the FCT as the pilot location, urging participants to embrace the opportunity to “learn, unlearn, and relearn” for business success.
From SMEDAN, Mrs. Olabimpe Fawale, Head of Women & Youth Division, emphasized that the partnership is a strategic intervention to give women journalists not only training but also mentorship and tools to turn ideas into viable businesses.
The program, supported by ICSS and CAPSTONE, will run until November with both in-person and virtual sessions. It is designed to strengthen women’s economic participation while broadening their capacity to thrive beyond the newsroom.
Discussion about this post