The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, on Saturday, 29th January held its first congress of the year, marking a milestone in the efforts to strengthen women journalism and professional development across the state.
The Congress brought together female journalists from print, broadcast and digital media platforms for strategic deliberations, capacity building and the formal unveiling of the NAWOJ Lagos 2026 Activities Calendar.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the association, Comrade Jumoke Johnson, described the Congress as a purposeful platform for empowering women journalists, amplifying their voices and driving initiatives that would have positive societal impact.
“This Congress sets the tone for the year. It goes beyond networking. We are committed to equipping our members with skills, boosting their professional growth, and championing initiatives that positively impact society,” Johnson said.
The Congress had a training session on “Financial Literacy for Women in Media,” facilitated by Mr. Olalekan Otun, Chief Executive Officer of Minds and Brains Ltd, who also served as a guest speaker at the event.
In his presentation, Otun explained that women in media include female publishers, reporters, editors and correspondents working in newspapers, magazines, radio, television and digital platforms, noting that NAWOJ remains dedicated to promoting professional excellence and advocating women’s rights in the Nigerian media industry.
He described financial literacy as “the ability to use basic economic and financial concepts, including the knowledge and skills needed to manage resources for a lifetime of well-being,” and stressed that financially literate journalists must understand earning, saving, budgeting, compound interest, borrowing and investment in stocks, property, retirement and the digital economy.
Otun further advised female journalists to develop multiple streams of income in order to escape the low pay associated with the contemporary Nigerian media industry, listing opportunities such as book publishing, blogging, photography, consultancy, event planning, speaking engagements and adjunct lecturing.
The event also featured the unveiling of the 2026 NAWOJ Lagos Activities Calendar, which outlines programs and initiatives scheduled for implementation across all four quarters of the year. Johnson used the opportunity to call on corporate bodies, development partners and organizations to support NAWOJ Lagos through sponsorships and collaborations.
In her remarks, the Secretary of the association, Comrade Anu M. Thomas, said the planned programs were deliberately people centered, adding that they were designed to address professional development, family responsibilities and broader societal and humanitarian concerns.
The congress ended on a positive note, with participants describing the event as productive, engaging and impactful, while reaffirming NAWOJ Lagos’ commitment to empowerment, advocacy and professional excellence for women journalists in the state.