By Joyce Remi Babayeju
The of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike has reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to empowering women journalists and promoting inclusivity and professionalism in the media space.
Comrade Grace Ike, made this known during a capacity-building training organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, in partnership with the German Embassy, to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day in Abuja.
Represented by the Council’s Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, Ike described the training theme, “Empowering Women Journalists for Democratic Governance and Social Change,” as apt and crucial.
She noted that women journalists play a vital role in shaping public narratives, holding leaders accountable, and amplifying the voices of underserved communities.
Ike noted that despite the contributions of women journalists, they face persistent challenges in the profession, listing gender bias, limited leadership opportunities, and safety concerns in the line of duty.
She stressed that such training programmes provide opportunities for learning, reflection, and solidarity among female journalists, while reaffirming the Council’s dedication to capacity-building initiatives targeted at women.
The FCT NUJ Chairman also commended NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, for organizing such training and appreciated the German Embassy for supporting media development and gender empowerment initiatives.
In her remarks, Comrade Bassey Ikpang said that the training was designed to equip female journalists with critical skills in investigative reporting, ethical journalism, gender-sensitive storytelling, and leadership.
She emphasized the need for women journalists to be visible and influential in shaping public discourse and promoting accountability.
Representing the German Embassy, spokesperson Mr. Felix Haala said the collaboration was aimed at strengthening the capacity of female journalists and amplifying their voices within Nigeria’s media landscape.
He noted that empowering women journalists is essential for national development.
In a keynote address, NAWOJ National President Comrade Aisha Ibrahim urged participants to go beyond storytelling and become advocates for truth and agents of societal transformation.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Valor Communications, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, underscored the importance of investigative journalism and fact-checking in tackling misinformation.
He advised journalists to uphold accuracy, noting that “when in doubt, leave it out.”
Meanwhile, the former NAWOJ National President, Comrade Ladi Bala, called for increased gender-sensitive reporting and greater support for women in leadership positions within the media.
She decried the underrepresentation of women in media narratives and urged journalists to promote inclusive reporting.
Participants at the training described the programme as impactful, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained would enhance their professional practice and storytelling capacity.
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