By Chioma Amajor
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has called for a strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China to advance media development, capacity building, and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
The call was made during a high-level courtesy visit by the leadership and members of NAWOJ FCT to the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Chairperson Mrs. Bassey Ita, was received by the Chinese Ambassador and senior embassy officials.
Welcoming the group, the Chinese Ambassador noted that while the Embassy has long enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Nigerian media, this visit marked the first formal engagement with NAWOJ as a distinct professional body.
She commended the association for its initiative and invited the leadership to detail its vision for the partnership.
Chairperson, NAWOJ, Comrade Bassey Ita – Ikpang, in her address, described the FCT Chapter as a powerhouse of over 350 active female journalists across print, broadcast, and online platforms.
She emphasized that NAWOJ members are not just reporters but also “development communicators” who bridge the gap between policymakers and the grassroots.
The NAWOJ Chairperson highlighted the association’s achievements in maternal and child health advocacy, girl-child education, and social inclusion.
To scale these efforts, she formally requested Chinese support in Specialized training for female journalists in media innovation and public communication,
inclusion in Media Fellowships programme to China to allow Nigerian journalists to study Chinese development models.
Specifically, the association requested the inclusion of 20 members in upcoming Chinese media training programs to enhance best practices in development journalism, as well as health advocacy for women and girls.
In response, the Embassy representative reaffirmed China’s commitment to gender equality, referencing the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing in October 2025.
He noted that President Xi Jinping has announced five major global measures to be implemented over the next five years:
1. A $10 million donation to UN Women.
2. $100 million for projects prioritizing women and girls via the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund.1
3. The launch of 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects worldwide.2
4. Invitations for 50,000 women to visit China for training and exchange.3
5. The establishment of a Global Centre for Women’s Capacity Building.
The Embassy official gave indication that Nigerian women journalists may benefit from these initiatives, pledging to explore ways to integrate NAWOJ into these global programs.
Looking Ahead
Comrade Ita- Ikpang assured the Embassy of NAWOJ’s readiness to support its activities through balanced and development-focused reporting.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing confidence that the collaboration would strengthen people-to-people relations and create a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in the Federal Capital Territory.