The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, is organising an intensive training session for female media practitioners on the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003.

Recognising the media’s critical role as a watchdog and advocate, the association said the training aims to equip journalists with the specialised knowledge and ethical reporting skills required to amplify conversations around child protection, report abuses accurately, and hold duty-bearers accountable.

Chairperson, NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Johnson, said this during the commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour and Democracy Day, saying Nigeria cannot build a sustainable democracy when the rights of children are trampled upon through forced labour and systemic neglect.

She said by empowering members with a deeper understanding of the Child Rights Act 2003, NAWOG was strengthening the media’s capacity to advocate for the total eradication of child labour and ensure every child in Lagos State and Nigeria enjoys their right to safety, dignity and education.

Johnson called on the government at all levels, civil society organisations, and citizens to renew their commitment to safeguarding the future of the Nigerian child.

She emphasised that the true measure of a flourishing democracy lies in its ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens, particularly children.

She noted that despite robust legislative frameworks, thousands of children across the country still face economic exploitation, hawking on dangerous highways, and being deprived of their fundamental right to quality education.

Scheduled to be held on June 20, 2026 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Lagos, Secretary of NAWOJ Lagos, Anu Thomas said during the training session, the association will convene its June Congress, which will serve as a vital platform for members to deliberate on key issues affecting the association, discuss the welfare of female journalists in the state, and chat a progressive way forward for the chapter.