NAWOJ FCT Backs Ikpang For Second Term In Major Confidence Boost
By Princess-Ekwi Ajide
For about 130 women journalists gathered in Abuja on Saturday, the question of leadership was not just about who occupies an office, but about sustaining the gains made in professional development, women’s health advocacy and grassroots empowerment.
Their answer was a resounding vote of confidence in the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, whom they have unanimously endorsed for a second term.
The endorsement, announced at the chapter’s congress on November 14, 2026, followed members’ assessment of the achievements of the Ikpang-led Executive Council since it assumed office in February 2024.
A motion for the vote of confidence and second-term endorsement was moved by a former NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Joy Idam, and seconded by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCTA Chapel, Comrade Ngozi Ufomba.
Members present adopted the motion through a unanimous voice vote, signalling strong support for the incumbent leadership ahead of the expiration of its tenure in February 2027.
The endorsement comes against the backdrop of an administration that has sought to expand the association’s influence beyond the traditional professional space through partnerships, health interventions, capacity building and community-based advocacy.
Partnerships and professional development
One of the administration’s major achievements is the signing of a two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).
The partnership is designed to strengthen collaboration in media development, research, innovation and national development, while providing opportunities for members to participate in specialised training and capacity-building programmes.
It also seeks to equip women journalists with the knowledge and skills to report more effectively on science, technology, entrepreneurship and Nigeria’s industrial development.
Taking healthcare to women journalists
On health advocacy, the Ikpang-led administration collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, on a cancer screening initiative targeting about 200 female journalists.
The intervention was aimed at improving access to preventive healthcare and raising awareness about the importance of early detection of cancer among women.
The chapter also extended its health advocacy to grassroots communities through programmes on exclusive breastfeeding, maternal health, infant and young child feeding practices and proper nutrition.
Moving beyond the newsroom
In its effort to make women’s advocacy more inclusive, NAWOJ FCT has taken its activities to communities often left out of mainstream development conversations.
In 2024, the chapter marked International Women’s Day in Garki Village, Abuja, engaging rural women on their rights, empowerment and contributions to society.
The following year, the administration extended the outreach to wives of traditional rulers in the Abuja traditional kingdom, using the platform to discuss women’s welfare, community development, health awareness and the role of traditional institutions in advancing women’s interests.
The chapter also marked the 2026 International Women’s Day at Utako Market in Abuja through a marketplace advocacy programme.
The event focused on vaccine awareness, addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccine uptake and acceptability, while taking public health information directly to market women.
Investing in girls’ health and safety
The administration’s interventions have also extended to schoolgirls through a partnership with Little Angels.
The initiative involved hygiene and menstrual health awareness campaigns in junior secondary schools, including education on gender-based violence (GBV) and the distribution of sanitary pads to students.
The programme sought to address practical challenges affecting girls’ health, dignity, safety and participation in education.
A mandate renewed, expectations raised
With the unanimous endorsement, members have signalled their desire for continuity in the chapter’s leadership, while placing fresh expectations on the incumbent administration.
For Ikpang, the endorsement represents recognition of the work undertaken by her executive council.
It also presents an opportunity to consolidate existing partnerships, deepen members’ welfare programmes and expand the association’s reach.
However, with the current tenure due to end in February 2027, the endorsement is not a substitute for the association’s constitutional electoral process. Rather, it is a strong expression of members’ support for her return.
The message from the congress was clear: members want a NAWOJ FCT that is more visible, united and influential, with professional advancement, women’s empowerment and the welfare of female journalists at the centre of its activities.
TOGETHER WE LEAD.
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