NAWOJ, SMEDAN Empower Female Journalists in FCT with Entrepreneurship Skills.
By Raymond Enoch
In a strategic move to foster economic empowerment among women in the media, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has launched an entrepreneurship training program for female journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The training, which kicked off on Monday, September 22, 2025, is structured to run in two cohorts of 30 participants each. It aims to equip a total of 60 female journalists with hands-on entrepreneurial skills, mentorship opportunities, and access to essential business development services.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to SMEDAN and supporting partners for making the program a reality. She described it as a vital step toward enhancing self-reliance among women journalists.
“I’m delighted to see this initiative come to life. It’s my hope that the participants will benefit immensely—not only to prepare for life after active journalism, but also to improve the quality of economic and SME-related reportage,” she said.
Also lending her voice, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, applauded the program as both relevant and timely. She emphasized the importance of economic diversification, especially for women working in media.
“This workshop is coming at the right time. With the current economic realities, it’s crucial that female journalists have alternative sources of income. I urge the organizers to also consider providing financial starter packs to help participants implement what they learn,” she stated.
FCT NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, commended the national body for selecting the FCT as the pilot location. She encouraged participants to be fully engaged and open to new ideas.
“This is an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Let’s take full advantage of it to build sustainable ventures that will outlive our careers in journalism,” she said.
Representing SMEDAN, Mrs. Olabimpe Fawale, Head of the Women and Youth Division, highlighted the agency’s commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth through targeted interventions.
“This partnership with NAWOJ reflects our ongoing commitment to equip Nigerian women with the tools, mentorship, and support needed to turn business ideas into sustainable realities,” she noted.
The training is being supported by ICSS and CAPSTONE and will feature both physical and virtual sessions, comprehensive mentorship, and tailored access to professional business development services. Scheduled to run through November 2025, the program will cover essential aspects of entrepreneurship, with the overarching goal of strengthening the financial independence and professional resilience of women in journalism.
