NAWOJ Lagos Advocates Mentorship, Welfare for Women Journalists at IWD 2026 Event
BY FAKEYE ADERONKE
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for stronger mentorship structures and improved welfare for women journalists as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The call was made during a high-level lecture and panel discussion organised by the association on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, themed “Give to Gain: Empowering Women Journalists through Mentorship and Advocacy for a Stronger Voice and Enhanced Welfare,” brought together media professionals, industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the professional capacity and well-being of female journalists.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, described women as “natural multipliers,” stressing that mentorship and advocacy are critical to the growth and resilience of women in the media industry.
Johnson urged experienced journalists to actively mentor younger colleagues while encouraging women journalists to lend their voices to advocacy efforts aimed at improving working conditions.
According to her, societies where women journalists are protected and empowered are safer for all women.
The keynote address was delivered by media mentor and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, who challenged journalists to take greater responsibility for their professional development in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Otufodunrin emphasised the need for continuous improvement in digital and technical skills, noting that journalists must constantly upgrade their competencies to remain competitive.
He also encouraged women journalists to be assertive in pursuing career opportunities and to cultivate passion for the profession while seeking mentorship to navigate industry challenges.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Tosin Alayande, with contributions from award-winning journalists Olufunke Fayemi of Voice of Nigeria and Blessing Oladunjoye, publisher of BONews.
The panel highlighted the importance of advocacy, inclusive journalism and specialised reporting, particularly in amplifying the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other underrepresented groups.
At the end of the session, participants resolved to promote a deliberate mentorship culture within the profession, intensify advocacy for improved welfare and working conditions for women journalists, and encourage members to adopt digital tools and specialised reporting skills to strengthen their influence in the industry.
The event attracted notable figures in the media sector, including the Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, and the Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, alongside other media executives and industry stakeholders.
The International Women’s Day commemoration concluded with a renewed commitment by NAWOJ Lagos to continue championing empowerment, professionalism and excellence among women in Nigerian journalism.
