By Remi Johnson
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has forged a strategic partnership with the Tallafi Women and Youth Foundation and honoured its President, Dr. Mairo Tanko Al-Makura, as Matron of the association.
The development was announced during a courtesy visit led by the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, who described Dr. Al-Makura as a woman of compassion and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Ita- Ikpang said the association, which comprises about over 500 practicing female journalists across the FCT, remains committed to ethical journalism, gender equity, and advocacy on critical health and social issues affecting women and children.
She noted that NAWOJ FCT had closely followed Dr. Al-Makura’s impactful humanitarian work, particularly through the Tallafi Women and Youth Foundation, which has empowered widows, supported small-scale businesses, and provided relief to vulnerable groups.
“It is on this note that we seek a strategic partnership with you and your Foundation, as we collectively work to continue touching the lives of women and girls in our society,” she said.
Ita- Ikpang further revealed that the partnership would leverage NAWOJ’s media strength to amplify the foundation’s initiatives and expand its reach.
She also highlighted the association’s upcoming Marketplace Advocacy Event as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, aimed at engaging and empowering grassroots women on health, economic empowerment, and social protection.
“We humbly seek the support of your office to make this event a success,” she added.
The Chairperson used the opportunity to outline NAWOJ FCT’s recent collaborations, including capacity-building with the German Embassy and ongoing free cancer screening for members in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health at the Federal Medical Centre.
In addition, she formally invited Dr. Al-Makura to serve as Matron of the association, citing her wealth of experience and inspirational leadership.
Responding, Dr. Al-Makura expressed appreciation for the visit and the honour bestowed on her, while reaffirming her commitment to women’s empowerment and national development.
“Chairperson I want to say a big thank you for finding me worthy to visit my abode. Like you said, am the chairperson of Tallafi Women and Youth Foundation.
But since after we left the government, I have been doing it just slowly and trying to help wherever I can.”
She emphasized her passion for supporting women through education, healthcare, and empowerment initiatives.
“And I do a lot of outreach to women and that’s my area.I sponsors students, schools, medicals. I do a lot. And this is tallying with my vision and my passion.
I sponsors students, schools, medicals.”
Dr. Al-Makura also called for greater unity and mentorship among women, urging them to support one another rather than compete. She further encouraged women to take initiative and create opportunities for themselves.
“So by the grace of God, I will keep in touch with NAWOJ FCT so that we can move this nation forward, especially the women.Because like we all know, women are left behind. Not because we are not qualified, not because we are not educated. But I keep telling women, let’s build our own table.”
“If they’re not giving us a seat, we should have our own seats and invite them to come. We are not competing with them.
We just want to be partners in progress.”
On mentorship, she stressed its importance in sustaining progress.
“But even we as women, we try to pull ourselves down. We don’t mentor the young ones. We feel if we mentor them, they will outshine us. It doesn’t really matter if you mentor them to greatness and they turnout to be greater.”
She assured NAWOJ FCT of her full support and willingness to collaborate. So that’s part of what I do. I like carrying women along.So I want to assure you all of my full cooperation.And we work together to see women are better.”
Dr. Al-Makura also expressed gratitude for being remembered despite no longer holding public office.
“Yes, I want to appreciate you and I want to tell you thank you so much for honoring me, remembering me even out when we out of office. Sometimes once you are out of office, nobody remembers you.”
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening advocacy and empowerment initiatives for women across the FCT and beyond.