The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has announced a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for the empowerment and training of female journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The collaboration will focus on capacity-building initiatives and entrepreneurship support programs designed to enhance the business skills of women journalists.

Chairperson of NAWOJ, Aisha Ibrahim Bura, who facilitated the partnership, said the partnership is important in providing female journalists an alternative source of income generation.

She stated this during a meeting with SMEDAN officials on Tuesday in Abuja.
Bura said, “This initiative aims to provide our women journalists with a second stream of income to meet their financial demands and support their families.”

Chairperson of the NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Bassey Ita-Ikpang, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “We are excited about this partnership and believe it will go a long way in empowering our women journalists.”

According to her, NAWOJ members have shown significant interest in the training program.

The hybrid training program, set for September 22–26, 2025, will take place at the NUJ Council, FCT, and will involve both physical coaching and online sessions. Participants will need basic literacy and computer skills, with a curriculum focused on enhancing existing businesses as part of the Inspire, Create, Start, Scale (ICSS) program, supported by German agency GIZ.

Head of the Women and Youth Unit of SMEDAN, Mrs. Fawale Olabimpe, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to boosting nano, small, and medium-scale businesses.

“Our primary responsibility is to ensure the growth of nano, small, and medium-scale enterprises in Nigeria,” she said.

Olabimpe emphasised the need to prepare members for an uncertain future, appealing to participants to come with an open mind to learn and unlearn.

Also, the NAWOJ Zone D Vice President, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, praised SMEDAN’s support for women journalists and expressed hope for future collaborations.

A statement by the Vice Chairperson, NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Dr. Rebecca Bolanle-Ukpevo, indicated that NAWOJ FCT plans to nominate 60 participants for the training, divided into two cohorts of 30 each. The initiative aims to equip female journalists with essential skills to scale their businesses and enhance their financial stability.