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 programmes 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 with an alternative source of income generation.

She stated this during a meeting with SMEDAN officials yesterday in Abuja.

Bura said that “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, MAWOJ members have shown significant interest in the training programme.

The hybrid training programme, scheduled for 22-26 September 2025, will take place at the NUJ Council, FCT, and will include both face-to-face 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) programme, supported by the 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 importance of preparing members for an uncertain future, encouraging participants to approach the training with an open mind to learn and unlearn.

Additionally, the NAWOJ Zone D Vice President, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, commended SMEDAN’s support for women journalists and expressed optimism about future collaborations.

A statement from the Vice Chairperson of 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 seeks to equip female journalists with vital skills to grow their businesses and improve their financial stability.