By Janefrances Chibuzor
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for stronger mentorship structures and improved welfare for female media professionals as part of efforts to strengthen the voice and professional capacity of women in journalism.
The call was made during the commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, where the association hosted a high-level lecture and panel discussion at the NUJ Press Centre in Ikeja on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The event, themed “Give to Gain: Empowering Women Journalists through Mentorship and Advocacy for a Stronger Voice and Enhanced Welfare,” brought together leading media professionals, executives, and journalism stakeholders to address issues affecting women in the industry and explore pathways for professional growth.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, emphasized the importance of mentorship and collective support in strengthening the journalism profession.
She described women as “natural multipliers,” noting that when women are empowered through mentorship and advocacy, the impact spreads widely across institutions and society.
According to Johnson, experienced journalists must intentionally invest their time and knowledge in mentoring younger colleagues to build a stronger and more resilient media workforce.“Give women journalists mentorship, give your time and watch productivity multiply,” she said.
Johnson further stressed that advocacy for improved welfare and safety in the profession must remain a top priority, noting that protecting women journalists ultimately contributes to the safety and advancement of women in society at large.
Delivering the keynote address, veteran media mentor and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, challenged journalists to take deliberate control of their professional development in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Otufodunrin emphasized the urgent need for journalists to continually upgrade their digital and technical skills in order to remain relevant and competitive in the industry.
He also encouraged women journalists to be assertive in pursuing opportunities and to ensure their contributions are visible and recognized within the profession.
According to him, passion for the profession must be accompanied by a commitment to continuous learning and the deliberate search for mentors who can help guide career decisions and professional growth.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by journalist Tosin Alayande, which provided deeper insights into advocacy, inclusion, and professional specialization.Panelists included award-winning journalists Olufunke Fayemi of Voice of Nigeria and Blessing Oladunjoye, publisher of BONews.
The discussion highlighted the importance of inclusive journalism, particularly the need for greater visibility and representation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in media reporting.
The panelists also stressed that specialization in specific beats can help journalists build credibility and professional authority.At the end of the lecture, participants agreed on a number of strategic resolutions aimed at strengthening the profession.
Among them was the need to establish a deliberate mentorship culture within the association, where senior journalists would actively guide and support younger professionals.
The association also committed to intensifying advocacy for improved working conditions, safety, and welfare packages for women in the media.
Participants further urged members to embrace digital tools and specialized reporting to enhance their professional influence and remain competitive in the modern media environment.
The event attracted notable leaders in the journalism profession, including Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the NUJ, alongside several media executives and directors.
The commemoration concluded with NAWOJ Lagos reaffirming its commitment to empowering women journalists and promoting excellence within Nigeria’s media industry.
