By Chioma Vivian James
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for a strategic partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen civic education, curb misinformation, and promote inclusive democratic participation across the country.
The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, made the call on Friday, April 10, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the association’s leadership to the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu.
Speaking during the engagement, Ibrahim emphasized that the visit was not merely ceremonial but aimed at initiating a robust collaboration to enhance citizen engagement, particularly in the electoral process.
She stressed that elections must evolve beyond routine democratic exercises into processes that are widely understood, trusted, and actively embraced by citizens.
“Orientation, education, and citizen engagement are no longer optional—they are essential,” she stated, underscoring the urgent need for sustained public enlightenment to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
As part of the proposed collaboration NAWOJ outlined a comprehensive joint initiative focused on capacity building for journalists and community mobilizers, grassroots civic and voter education, and strategic efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation. Other components include promoting peaceful electoral participation, developing simplified civic education materials in local languages, and launching nationwide media campaigns to foster unity, inclusivity, and informed voting.
The association further recommended that the programme be piloted ahead of upcoming electoral cycles, with clear benchmarks to measure impact across states.
Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, calling for greater participation of women, youths, and marginalized groups not only as voters but as active contenders for elective positions. She advocated sustained national dialogue on improving female representation, including the consideration of special legislative seats for women, describing representation as “a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
In his response, the NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended NAWOJ for its longstanding contributions to responsible journalism, civic awareness, and democratic accountability. He described the association as a critical stakeholder in national development, noting its consistent role in advancing gender advocacy and ethical media practice.
Issa-Onilu described the proposed collaboration as both timely and strategic, particularly as Nigeria continues to confront challenges of misinformation and civic disengagement.
He expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with NAWOJ in designing sustainable programmes that promote national unity, responsible communication, and informed citizen participation.
Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing public understanding of governance processes and expanding civic education initiatives nationwide.
While NAWOJ stressed that the partnership would help build a more informed citizenry and restore trust in democratic institutions, NOA pledged its support for initiatives aligned with its mandate of national reorientation and value restoration.
The visit concluded with a shared resolve to foster a more inclusive, informed, and participatory democracy in Nigeria.
The development was contained in a statement issued by NAWOJ National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan.