The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has stepped up efforts to secure training and capacity-building opportunities in China for its members, as it seeks a stronger partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by a NAWOJ FCT delegation to the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, led by the chapter’s Chairperson, Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang.
The Chapters Chairperson, explained that the association was particularly interested in programmes that would enhance the professional skills of female journalists through media development, exchange and empowerment initiatives.
“Our primary focus is to open up training and capacity-building opportunities in China for women journalists in the FCT,. We are seeking partnership in areas such as media development, technology and digital inclusion, innovation, public communication and development journalism, which are critical to improving the quality of reporting and advocacy by women journalists.”
She said NAWOJ FCT is requesting the inclusion of 20 of its members in training and fellowship programmes in China to expose them to global best practices, while also strengthening advocacy around women’s rights, girl-child education and community health.
Significant Achievements
According to Mrs. Ita-Ikpang, the chapter has recorded significant achievements in the training of women journalists and advocacy on maternal, newborn and child health, women’s rights, social inclusion and girl-child education.
She stated that NAWOJ remains a professional, non-governmental association committed to ethical journalism, gender equity and national development.
She stressed that NAWOJ FCT has a history of productive partnerships with government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as local and international development organisations, resulting in impactful advocacy campaigns, professional trainings and community engagement initiatives.
Areas of Support
The NAWOJ FCT chairperson further outlined areas where the association could support the Chinese Embassy, including responsible and balanced media engagement, amplification of Embassy-supported initiatives through NAWOJ’s extensive media networks, grassroots outreach among women and youth, and cultural exchange through storytelling and media coverage.
Responding, the Counsellor Officer at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, said China enjoys cordial relations with the Nigerian media and expressed openness to further engagement with NAWOJ FCT to explore possible areas of collaboration.
She disclosed that China has lined up empowerment programmes aimed at supporting about 50,000 people across different countries within the next five years, focusing on key areas of training and empowerment.
She reaffirmed China’s commitment to partnerships that promote development, capacity building and mutual understanding.
Both parties expressed optimism at the end of the visit about sustained engagement and a mutually beneficial partnership between NAWOJ FCT and the Chinese Embassy.