By Anike Adeola
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, will commemorate the 2026 International Women's Day with a strong focus on mentorship, advocacy and capacity building for women journalists.
The celebration aligns with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” which emphasises the importance of investing in women journalists to accelerate progress in the media space and strengthen the voice of women in Nigeria.
According to the association, the theme resonates with NAWOJ’s mission of promoting the rights and welfare of women journalists by providing access to mentorship opportunities, advocacy platforms and professional development initiatives.
The event will hold at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Iyalla, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Johnson, described the event as a heartfelt initiative designed to celebrate and empower female journalists across Lagos State.
She said the programme would feature experienced speakers and panelists who would share their professional experiences and knowledge to inspire better journalism practice among women in the profession.
Johnson noted that the initiative is aimed at strengthening the contributions of women journalists to the development of the media industry and the wider society.
The guest speaker at the event is Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, who will speak on career development and mentorship in the media industry.
The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion on strategies to enhance the capacity and welfare of women journalists, featuring respected media professionals including Olufunke Fayemi of Voice of Nigeria, Lagos, and Blessing Oladunjoye of BONews.
According to Johnson, the event will provide women journalists with opportunities to gain insights, share experiences and access mentorship that will strengthen their professional capacity and amplify their voices in the media space.
She added that the gathering would also serve as a stakeholder engagement platform aimed at developing strategies to improve the welfare of women journalists in Lagos State.
Also speaking, Secretary of NAWOJ Lagos, Anu M. Thomas, said the commemoration lecture is scheduled to hold Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the NUJ Secretariat, Iyalla, Ikeja.
She invited stakeholders including women groups, lawmakers, government officials, media organisations and members of the informal sector — many of whom are women — to participate in the celebration with NAWOJ Lagos.