To commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, held a high-level lecture and panel discussion aimed at fortifying the professional standing and personal well-being of female media practitioners.
The event, held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the NUJ Press Center in Ikeja, focused on the theme: “Give to Gain: Empowering Women Journalists through Mentorship and Advocacy for a Stronger Voice and Enhanced Welfare.”
*Empowering the Multipliers.*
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, highlighted the unique capacity of women as “natural multipliers.” She argued that this inherent trait makes women the ideal candidates for both receiving and providing mentorship to ensure industry-wide growth.
”Give women journalists mentorship, give your time and watch productivity multiply,” Mrs. Johnson stated. “Yes, let us give of our experiences to gain a more resilient workforce. Give advocacy: Give your energy. We must lend our voices, because in so doing, we cause a shift, then garner support, then see reforms, and then we win. We win better welfare and get the security we deserve on this job. Better believe it, any society where women journalists are protected, all women are safer there.”
*Keynote: A Call to Self-Driven Excellence*
The keynote address was delivered by veteran media mentor and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin. His presentation challenged journalists to take ownership of their career trajectories in an evolving media landscape.
Key highlights from his address included:
*Continuous Improvement:* The urgent necessity for journalists to upgrade their digital and technical skills to remain competitive.
*Assertiveness* : Encouraging women to claim career-shaping opportunities and make it difficult for their contributions to be overlooked.
*Passion and Mentorship:* Cultivating a genuine love for the craft while actively seeking mentors to navigate industry complexities.
Panel Insights: *Advocacy and Inclusivity.*
A dynamic panel session, moderated by Tosin Alayande, featured award-winning journalists Olufunke Fayemi (Voice of Nigeria) and Blessing Oladunjoye (Publisher, BONews).
The discussion delved into practical strategies for advocacy, emphasizing the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the importance of specialized reporting to build professional authority.
*Resolutions for a Stronger Future*
At the conclusion of the lecture, the participants resolved to implement a three-pronged approach to industry advancement:
*A Deliberate Mentorship Culture:* Establishing a formal “give back” system where senior female journalists actively mentor younger colleagues.
*Aggressive Welfare Advocacy:* NAWOJ committed to intensifying the push for better working conditions and welfare packages for women in the media.
*Digital Mastery:* A call for all members to embrace specialized reporting and digital tools to enhance their influence.
*Distinguished Attendance*
The event was attended by top leadership within the journalism profession, including Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde (Deputy National President, NUJ), Comrade Adeleye Ajayi (Chairman, Lagos State Council of the NUJ), and several directors and media executives.
The commemoration ended with a renewed pledge from NAWOJ Lagos to remain a formidable force for empowerment and a champion for excellence in Nigerian media.
