NAWOJ, SMEDAN empower Female Journalists in FCT with entrepreneurship training

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has flagged off a groundbreaking entrepreneurship training program for female journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The program, which commenced on Monday, September 22, 2025, is designed to run in batches and will empower 60 female journalists with practical entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and access to business development services.

Speaking at the inauguration, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to SMEDAN and partners for supporting the initiative. She described the training as a long-awaited opportunity to make female journalists more self-reliant.

> *“I am happy this program has become a reality. My hope is that participants will benefit immensely such that they have something to fall back on when they retire from active media practice. Beyond that, the knowledge acquired here will also sharpen how we report on economic growth and the SME sector,”* she said.

FCT NUJ Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, hailed the initiative as timely, stressing that women journalists need multiple streams of income to augment their often meager salaries. She appealed for financial start-off packs to enable participants to put their newly acquired skills into practice.

> *“My desire has always been that women journalists have sustainable side businesses. This workshop is timely, but I appeal that participants receive starter packs to translate the lessons into reality,”* she noted.

Also present, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, thanked the National leadership for selecting the FCT as the pilot location and assured that members would maximize the opportunity.

‘The Chairperson urged participants to keep an open mind, to learn new ideas, unlearn outdated practices, and relearn innovative approaches that would enhance their businesses.”

From SMEDAN, Mrs. Olabimpe Fawale, Head of Women & Youth Division, explained that the partnership is a strategic intervention aimed at giving women journalists practical skills, mentorship, and access to resources needed to thrive in entrepreneurship.

> *“Our goal is to provide Nigerian women with not just knowledge but the tools, mentorship, and services to transform ideas into sustainable businesses. This partnership with NAWOJ embodies our vision of building a stronger, more inclusive economy driven by empowered women,”* she said.

The training which are in 2 Cohorts of 30 each is supported by ICSS and CAPSTONE and will include both physical and online sessions, mentorship programs, and access to professional business development services.

Set to run from September through November 2025, the program covers critical areas of entrepreneurship designed to enhance the financial independence and professional resilience of women journalists.