By Joy Omagha Idam
At a time when Nigeria’s democratic journey demands deeper citizen engagement and trust, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has taken a bold step toward strengthening civic consciousness through a proposed strategic partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
This formed the crux of a high-level courtesy visit by NAWOJ to the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, where both institutions explored avenues for collaboration aimed at reshaping public orientation and promoting inclusive governance.
Leading the delegation, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, underscored the urgency of sustained civic education, describing elections not merely as periodic events, but as processes that must be understood, trusted, and collectively owned by citizens.
She acknowledged the pivotal role of NOA as “the conscience of the nation,” emphasizing its influence in shaping societal values, guiding public perception, and strengthening the relationship between the government and the people.
The visit, the NAWOJ Boss noted, went beyond routine formalities, presenting a clear roadmap for collaboration between both bodies at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Central to NAWOJ’s proposal is a Joint NOA–NAWOJ Training and Public Engagement Initiative, designed to enhance capacity among journalists and community mobilizers. The initiative is expected to focus on key areas such as civic and voter education, ethical media reporting during elections, combating misinformation and disinformation, and promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.
The proposed programme also includes nationwide and zonal workshops, grassroots outreach targeting women and youth, development of civic education materials in local languages, and coordinated media campaigns to promote inclusivity, national unity, and informed voting.
The NAWOJ Chairperson stressed that inclusivity must remain at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that “a democracy that excludes is a democracy that is weak.” She advocated for greater representation of women, young people, and marginalized groups, including renewed calls for policies that support increased female participation in governance.
“Representation is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right,” she asserted, reinforcing the association’s commitment to advancing inclusive governance and leadership opportunities.
Responding, the NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended NAWOJ for its impactful interventions over the decades, describing the association as a formidable force in advocacy, social development, and responsible journalism.
He noted that the proposed collaboration is both timely and strategic, particularly at a period when effective public engagement and national reorientation are crucial to strengthening democracy.
According to him, partnerships such as this are essential to bridging information gaps, fostering civic responsibility, and building a more informed citizenry.
The engagement signals a shared commitment by NAWOJ and NOA to move beyond routine electoral exercises toward building a democracy that is inclusive, participatory, and firmly rooted in public trust.
As both institutions align their mandates, the message is clear: Nigeria’s democratic future will not be shaped by chance, but by deliberate, collective action focused on education, inclusion, and national unity.
This was contained in a statement issued by Comrade Wasilah Ladan, the National Secretary NAWOJ.