NAWOJ, NOA Forge Alliance to Boost Civic Education, Combat Misinformation ,Fake News By Raymond Enoch
NAWOJ, NOA Forge Alliance to Boost Civic Education, Combat Misinformation ,Fake News
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for a strengthened partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to deepen civic education, tackle misinformation, and promote inclusive participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The call was made by NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit by the association’s leadership to the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in Abuja.
Addressing the NOA management, Ibrahim said the visit was not merely ceremonial but aimed at presenting a strategic collaboration framework to enhance citizen engagement, particularly in the electoral process.
She stressed that elections must evolve beyond routine democratic exercises into processes that are widely understood, trusted, and actively embraced by citizens.
“Orientation, education, and citizen engagement are no longer optional—they are essential to strengthening our democracy,” she said.
NAWOJ outlined a proposal for a joint initiative with NOA, focusing on capacity building for journalists and grassroots mobilisers, expanded voter education, and coordinated efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation.
The proposed partnership also includes the development of simplified civic education materials in local languages, as well as nationwide media campaigns to promote unity, inclusivity, and informed voting.
Ibrahim further advocated inclusive governance, calling for increased participation of women, youths, and other marginalised groups not only as voters but also as candidates and decision-makers.
She urged sustained national dialogue on enhancing female representation in governance, including the possibility of special legislative seats for women, insisting that representation remains “a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
Responding, NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended NAWOJ for its longstanding role in promoting responsible journalism, civic awareness, and democratic accountability.
He described the association as a critical stakeholder in national development, noting its contributions to gender advocacy and ethical media practice.
Issa-Onilu said the proposed collaboration was both timely and strategic, especially as Nigeria grapples with misinformation and seeks to deepen democratic participation.
He assured that NOA is ready to work closely with NAWOJ to develop sustainable programmes that will promote national unity, responsible communication, and informed citizen engagement.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public understanding of governance and expanding civic education across the country.
They expressed confidence that the partnership would help build a more informed citizenry and enhance trust in democratic institutions.
The visit ended with a shared resolve to promote a more inclusive and participatory democracy in Nigeria.
The development was contained in a statement issued by NAWOJ National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan.
