By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja
In a significant move to deepen inclusive economic opportunities for women and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial narrative, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has initiated a strategic partnership with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), culminating in plans to formalise collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The milestone engagement unfolded in Abuja during a high-level courtesy visit by NAWOJ FCT leadership to the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, where both institutions aligned visions on women’s empowerment, media advocacy, and sustainable national development.
Speaking during the visit, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Mrs. Bassey Ita-Ikpang, underscored the media’s transformative power in shaping inclusive growth, noting that the association remains a formidable voice for women and children while promoting professionalism across the journalism landscape.
With a membership strength of over 350 practising female journalists spanning print, broadcast, and digital platforms, Ita-Ikpang highlighted NAWOJ’s expanding footprint in advocacy, visibility, and capacity development.
She pointed to recent initiatives, including a capacity-building programme held in collaboration with the German Embassy to mark International Women’s Day, as evidence of the association’s commitment to empowering women through knowledge and engagement.
Looking ahead, she announced an upcoming grassroots initiative, “Marketplace Advocacy,” scheduled for April 30, designed to take awareness campaigns directly to women in local markets. The programme will focus on health education, civic participation, and simplifying government policies, particularly in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
In a symbolic highlight of the visit, NAWOJ FCT decorated Prof. Ike-Muonso as a Patron of the association, citing his visionary leadership, commitment to inclusive development, and strides in advancing local raw materials development as key factors behind the honour.
Ita-Ikpang commended the RMRDC boss for driving innovation and value addition within Nigeria’s industrial sector, noting that such efforts are critical in reducing import dependency and unlocking opportunities for women in the value chain.
“It is a mutually beneficial relationship,” she noted, adding that NAWOJ is strategically positioned to amplify the council’s initiatives and ensure broader public engagement through its wide media reach.
Responding, Prof. Ike-Muonso welcomed the partnership, reaffirming RMRDC’s commitment to fostering industrial growth through research, innovation, and efficient utilisation of local resources.
He disclosed that the proposed MoU with NAWOJ would serve as a platform to elevate awareness of Nigeria’s raw materials potential while strengthening media collaboration in driving sustainable development.
He further revealed that the partnership comes at a crucial time as the council intensifies preparations for the 2026 African Raw Materials Summit slated for June, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of industrial transformation on the continent.
The emerging NAWOJ-RMRDC alliance signals a bold step toward bridging media advocacy with industrial development—an intersection both parties believe will unlock new pathways for women’s economic empowerment and national progress.