By Justina Auta
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has sought collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria on media development, capacity building, and women empowerment initiatives.
Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday.
She emphasised the need for partnerships that promoted people-to-people diplomacy, media exchange, and fellowship opportunities for female journalists.
She urged the embassy to support training programmes for women journalists and requested the inclusion of 20 NAWOJ FCT members in capacity-building initiatives in China, highlighting the potential for exposure to international best practices.
According to Ita-Ikpang, the programmes will focus on media development, technology and digital inclusion, innovation, public communication, development journalism, girl-child education, and women empowerment, enhancing the skills and knowledge of participating journalists.
She said NAWOJ FCT had recorded notable achievements in training, advocacy, and awareness creation, particularly in maternal, newborn and child health, women’s rights, girl-child education, and social inclusion, strengthening the role of women journalists.
Describing NAWOJ as a professional non-governmental association of female journalists from print, broadcast, and online media, Ita-Ikpang emphasised its commitment to ethical journalism, gender equity, and national development.
She noted NAWOJ’s productive partnerships with government agencies, local and international development organisations, resulting in impactful advocacy campaigns and community engagement initiatives that advanced women and youth development.
The chairperson expressed appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador for granting the audience and assured the embassy of NAWOJ’s support in promoting responsible, balanced media engagement across the country.
Ita-Ikpang added that NAWOJ FCT could amplify embassy-supported initiatives through its media networks, promote grassroots outreach among women and youth, and support cultural exchange through storytelling and media coverage.
Responding, Ms Dong Hairong, Counsellor Officer at the Chinese Embassy, said China enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Nigerian media and welcomed further discussions with NAWOJ FCT on collaboration opportunities.
Hairong disclosed that China planned to implement empowerment programmes benefiting about 50,000 people across different countries over the next five years, focusing on five strategic areas of training and development.
She reaffirmed China’s commitment to partnerships that promoted development, capacity building, and mutual understanding among nations, encouraging closer collaboration with professional associations such as NAWOJ.
The visit ended with both parties expressing optimism for sustained engagement and mutually beneficial collaboration, paving the way for future initiatives that empowered female journalists and strengthened bilateral relations.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
