The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has unveiled its 2026 roadmap, following its maiden Congress of the year held on Saturday, 31 January 2026.

The gathering marked a key moment for the association, as members met to review priorities, build capacity, and set the tone for activities in the year ahead.

The Congress brought together women journalists from across Lagos and featured strategic deliberations, training sessions, and the formal unveiling of NAWOJ Lagos’ 2026 Activities Calendar.

Why it matters

Women journalists continue to face challenges ranging from financial insecurity to limited access to leadership opportunities in the media industry.

NAWOJ Lagos says its 2026 agenda is designed to strengthen professional skills, support personal development, and amplify women’s voices in society.

Leadership sets agenda for the year

Speaking at the Congress, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Comrade Jumoke Johnson, described the meeting as a deliberate step towards repositioning women journalists for greater impact.

“This Congress sets the tone for the year. Beyond bonding, we are committed to equipping our members with relevant skills, amplifying women’s voices, and driving initiatives that positively impact society,” Johnson said.

She added that collaboration would be critical to achieving the association’s goals.

Johnson called on organisations, corporate bodies, and development partners to support NAWOJ Lagos through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

Financial literacy takes centre stage

One of the major highlights of the Congress was a training session on Financial Literacy for Women in Media, facilitated by financial expert Mr Olalekan Otun.

The session focused on personal finance management, investment planning, and long-term financial sustainability for women journalists.

Participants actively engaged the facilitator through questions and discussions, reflecting widespread concern about financial stability within the media profession.

Inside the 2026 activities calendar

The Congress also featured the unveiling and extensive discussion of the NAWOJ Lagos 2026 Activities Calendar, structured across four quarters.

According to the association’s leadership, the programmes are designed to balance career development with family responsibilities and social advocacy.

The Secretary of NAWOJ Lagos, Comrade Anu M. Thomas, said the calendar reflects the lived realities of women journalists.

“Our activities this year are people-centred. They speak to career advancement, family life, and our responsibility to society at large,” she said.

What’s next

NAWOJ Lagos says it will roll out its 2026 programmes gradually across the year, working with partners to ensure sustainability and impact.

Members at the Congress expressed optimism about the association’s direction, describing the meeting as productive, engaging, and forward-looking.

The Lagos chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr Abimbola Abosede Oyetunde, at her office in Broadcasting House, Ikoyi.

The visit comes as Dr Oyetunde assumes new responsibilities as Bureau Chief of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Network and Deputy Director of News at the FRCN Directorate Headquarters Annex in Lagos.

NAWOJ leaders say the engagement was aimed at recognising her achievements and strengthening collaboration around the welfare and professional growth of women journalists.

Why it matters

Dr Oyetunde is the first woman to serve as Deputy National President of the NUJ, a milestone many in the media industry see as a breakthrough for gender inclusion.

Advocates argue that visible female leadership at union and editorial levels can help address long-standing issues such as workplace equity, safety, and career progression for women journalists.

Praise for trailblazing leadership

Speaking during the visit, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Mrs Jumoke Johnson, commended Dr Oyetunde for her years of service and advocacy.

She highlighted Dr Oyetunde’s role in protecting the rights of journalists in Nigeria, with particular attention to women in the profession.

Mrs Johnson described her as “a torchbearer for women journalists in the union” and an example of what is possible through dedication and professionalism.

She added that NAWOJ Lagos was proud to have Dr Oyetunde as a member of the chapter and expressed hope for continued mentorship and support.

A career spanning leadership roles

Dr Oyetunde’s media career spans decades, including nearly ten years as General Manager of Bronze FM in Benin City.

Her recent appointment at FRCN, NAWOJ leaders say, reflects recognition of her trailblazing achievements and long-standing commitment to journalism and public service.

NAWOJ’s plans for the year

During the meeting, Mrs Johnson briefed the NUJ Deputy National President on NAWOJ Lagos’ activities and programmes planned for the new year.

She said the initiatives are designed to advance the association’s mission and vision, with a focus on capacity building, advocacy, and professional support for members.

Oyetunde’s response

Responding, Dr Oyetunde thanked the NAWOJ delegation for the visit and the recognition.

She advised the executives to explore additional channels and activities to further strengthen the Lagos chapter of the association.

Dr Oyetunde also prayed for the success of NAWOJ’s programmes in the year ahead and encouraged sustained unity among women journalists.

What’s next

NAWOJ Lagos says it will roll out its planned activities in the coming months, while maintaining engagement with NUJ leadership.

Observers will be watching how increased collaboration translates into concrete gains for women working across Nigeria’s media industry.