By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has strengthened its drive for inclusive economic empowerment of women through a strategic partnership with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), as the Council’s Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, was formally decorated as a Patron of the association.
The development came to the fore during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ FCT leadership to the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja, where both bodies signalled their readiness to formalise collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting national development.
Speaking during the engagement, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Mrs. Bassey Ita-Ikpang, highlighted the critical role of the media in driving social transformation, advocating for the rights of women and children, and shaping national discourse.
She noted that the association, with over 350 practising female journalists across print, electronic and digital platforms in the FCT, remains committed to professionalism, advocacy, and capacity building.
According to her, NAWOJ has continued to make impactful contributions through strategic initiatives, including a recent capacity-building programme organised in collaboration with the German Embassy to mark International Women’s Day.
Ita-Ikpang also announced plans for a grassroots outreach programme, “Marketplace Advocacy,” scheduled for April 30, designed to engage women directly at the community level. She explained that the initiative would focus on health awareness, education, and democratic participation, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
“It also seeks to simplify government policies and encourage women to actively participate in the electoral process, while promoting awareness of their health needs,” she said.
Commending the RMRDC Director-General for his achievements, the NAWOJ Chairperson praised his commitment to advancing local raw materials development, innovation, and value addition, noting that such efforts are pivotal to Nigeria’s industrial growth and reducing dependence on imports.
She added that the council’s focus on inclusive economic participation aligns strongly with NAWOJ’s vision of empowering women and amplifying their contributions to national development.
“As media professionals, we are strategically positioned to amplify your initiatives and ensure they receive the visibility they deserve,” she stated.
In a defining moment of the visit, Ita-Ikpang announced the conferment of Patron status on Prof. Ike-Muonso, citing his leadership, experience, and dedication to inclusive development. She expressed confidence that his guidance would further strengthen the association and enhance the success of its programmes.
Responding, Prof. Ike-Muonso reaffirmed the council’s commitment to industrial growth through research, innovation, and efficient utilisation of local resources. He disclosed that RMRDC would formalise its partnership with NAWOJ through an MoU to boost awareness of Nigeria’s raw materials potential and support sustainable industrial development.
He added that the collaboration comes at a strategic time as the council prepares to host the 2026 African Raw Materials Summit in June, positioning Nigeria for greater industrial advancement.
The partnership between NAWOJ FCT and RMRDC marks a significant step in leveraging media advocacy and industrial innovation to drive women’s economic empowerment and national progress.