The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State Chapter, has held its maiden public lecture, setting a new pace for professional development and gender empowerment within the media space.
The event, themed “Voices of Impact 2025: Women, Media and Social Change,” took place at Arewa House, Kaduna, attracting media professionals, academics, government representatives, and civil society leaders.
The lecture aimed at strengthening professionalism, promoting ethical reporting, and fostering leadership among women journalists. It also served as a platform for mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy for greater inclusion in the media industry.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Sahura Jibril Maidoki, described the event as a milestone in the association’s ongoing effort to enhance the capacity and professionalism of women journalists in the state.
“This lecture is not just a conversation—it’s a movement toward empowering women in journalism to take their rightful place as agents of positive change,” Maidoki stated.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, commended NAWOJ for the initiative, describing it as timely and critical to the state’s communication ecosystem.
“Empowering women in the media means empowering society,” he said. “Journalists shape narratives, and when women’s voices are strengthened, the entire media space becomes more inclusive and credible.”
Representing the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), Mr. Ben Kure, the Executive Director of Radio, Hajiya Farida Abubakar, emphasized the relevance of the lecture, noting that the media industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology and the spread of misinformation.
“Journalists today must adapt to new realities while maintaining ethics and accuracy. NAWOJ’s focus on capacity building will help women journalists stay ahead in this evolving landscape,” she noted.
Also speaking, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, represented by the association’s Auditor, Jamila Chinwe Abubakar, urged women journalists to remain steadfast in pursuing truth and fairness.
“The responsibility of the journalist has never been greater. We must continue to uphold ethical standards and amplify women’s voices in every sphere of society,” she advised.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association (NDAOWA), Hajiya Halima Yahaya Ibrahim, applauded NAWOJ Kaduna for organizing such a purposeful event, describing communication as a vital tool for peacebuilding and national development.
“When women are empowered to communicate effectively, they become catalysts for peace, unity, and national progress,” she said.
During the event, two papers were presented — “Breaking Barriers: Women Journalists Challenging Gender Norms and Power Structures in Media” by Mrs. Esther Koza, and “From the Margins to the Mainstream: Women Journalists Amplifying Grassroots Movements and Social Justice” by Comrade Sanusi Maikudi.
The papers sparked engaging discussions on gender equity, media ethics, and the evolving role of women in promoting social justice through journalism.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals and organizations recognized for their outstanding contributions to journalism and the advancement of NAWOJ’s vision.
The maiden public lecture reaffirmed NAWOJ Kaduna’s commitment to excellence and underscored the growing influence of women journalists in shaping national narratives — one impactful voice at a time.
COV: Khadija Kubau
