By Uloma Peace Okorie
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter has commended the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Dr. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, for his immense support towards the successful hosting of the NAWOJ FCT Marketplace Advocacy Programme.
The commendation came during a courtesy and appreciation visit by the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, alongside members of the association, to the Council in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang expressed gratitude to the Director-General for his encouragement, partnership, and commitment to the association’s vision of empowering women at the grassroots through advocacy and sensitisation programmes.
She stated that the marketplace advocacy initiative successfully educated women on health, education, civic responsibility, democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, and opportunities within the raw materials value chain.
According to her, the programme also enlightened women on the importance of local production, entrepreneurship, processing, and value addition as strategic pathways to economic empowerment and national development.
The Chairperson noted that the keynote presentation delivered by Dr. Grace Adebiye, Director of Gender at RMRDC, greatly impacted participants by exposing them to economic opportunities in the raw materials sector and encouraging innovation and productivity among women.
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Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang said feedback from participants indicated that the advocacy programme empowered many women with knowledge, confidence, and motivation to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation’s democratic and economic growth.
She also appreciated the Director-General for accepting to serve as Patron of the association, describing the gesture as a major boost to the activities and credibility of NAWOJ FCT.
The Chairperson reaffirmed the association’s readiness to continue promoting the programmes and achievements of Raw materials with responsible journalism and advocacy while expressing optimism over the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Chinyere Nnamdi-Anum, Director of Corporate Affairs, appreciated the visit and praised NAWOJ FCT for its commitment to women empowerment, grassroots sensitisation, and national development.
She assured the association of the Council’s continuous support and stronger collaboration in advancing development-focused advocacy programmes.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a plaque by members of NAWOJ FCT to the Director-General in recognition of his leadership, support, and belief in the vision of the association.