NAWOJ FCT Backs Ikpang for Second Term, Gives Chairperson Unanimous Vote of Confidence

130 Members Affirm Confidence in Her Leadership as Former Chairperson, Joy Idam, Moves Endorsement Motion

By Sharon Akuboh

ABUJA, November 14, 2026 – The leadership of Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang at the helm of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has received a major boost following a unanimous vote of confidence and endorsement by members for her second term in office.

The endorsement, which signals strong institutional support for the Ikpang-led administration, was announced at the chapter’s congress held on Saturday in Abuja, where approximately 130 members gathered to deliberate on the affairs, achievements and future direction of the association.

The motion for the vote of confidence and second-term endorsement was moved by a former Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Joy Idam, and seconded by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCTA Chapel, Comrade Ngozi Ufomba.

Members present unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote, expressing satisfaction with Ikpang’s leadership, commitment to the association and efforts towards strengthening its visibility, unity and developmental agenda.

The endorsement represents a significant show of confidence in an administration that has placed strategic partnerships, professional development, women’s empowerment, healthcare advocacy, grassroots mobilisation and members’ welfare at the centre of its activities.

Ikpang assumed office on February 10, 2024, with her current tenure expected to end in February 2027.

Partnerships and Professional Development

One of the major achievements of the Ikpang-led administration is its strategic partnership with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), formalised through the signing of a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership is designed to promote collaboration in media development, research, innovation and national development, while creating opportunities for NAWOJ members to benefit from specialised training, capacity-building programmes and exposure to Nigeria’s raw materials and industrial development value chains.

It also provides opportunities for female journalists to deepen their understanding and reporting of science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic development.

Healthcare Advocacy for Female Journalists

In recognition of the importance of the health and well-being of women journalists, the administration collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, on a cancer screening initiative targeting approximately 200 female journalists.

The initiative underscored the chapter’s commitment to preventive healthcare, early detection and improved access to essential health services for its members.

Expanding Women’s Leadership and Participation

The Ikpang administration has also sustained advocacy for gender equality, women’s empowerment and increased female participation in leadership and decision-making.

Through engagements marking International Women’s Day, in collaboration with the German Embassy and NUJ Utako, the chapter provided platforms for conversations on women’s rights, professional advancement, inclusion and leadership.

In 2024, NAWOJ FCT took its International Women’s Day celebration beyond the conventional urban setting to Garki Village, Abuja, where rural women were brought into the centre of discussions on empowerment, development and women’s rights.

The outreach reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that grassroots women are recognised, included and given opportunities to participate in conversations that affect their lives and communities.

The chapter further strengthened its grassroots engagement in 2025 by celebrating International Women’s Day with the wives of traditional rulers in the Abuja traditional kingdom.

The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss women’s empowerment, community development, health awareness and the role of traditional institutions in promoting the welfare of women and families.

Taking Health Advocacy to the Marketplace

In 2026, NAWOJ FCT extended its International Women’s Day advocacy to Utako Market through a marketplace outreach programme.

The initiative focused on vaccine awareness, addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccine uptake and acceptability, while encouraging informed health decisions among market women and other members of the community.

The programme demonstrated the chapter’s resolve to take public enlightenment beyond conference halls and professional gatherings to where ordinary women live, work and conduct their daily activities.

Promoting Maternal Health and Child Nutrition

The administration also intensified grassroots advocacy on exclusive breastfeeding, maternal health, nutrition and appropriate infant and young child feeding practices.

Working with relevant agencies and development partners, NAWOJ FCT undertook engagements aimed at educating women and families on essential maternal and child health practices.

The initiative formed part of its broader commitment to making reliable health information accessible to underserved communities and promoting healthier families.

School Outreach on Hygiene and Menstrual Health

Another notable intervention was the chapter’s partnership with Little Angels to conduct hygiene and menstrual health awareness campaigns in junior secondary schools.

The programme featured educational sessions on personal hygiene, menstrual health and gender-based violence (GBV), alongside the distribution of sanitary pads to students.

The initiative provided an opportunity to educate young girls on personal health, dignity, safety and the importance of making informed decisions about their well-being.

A Renewed Commitment to Service

With the unanimous endorsement and vote of confidence, the Ikpang-led administration has received an encouraging affirmation of members’ support as it approaches the end of its current tenure.

The administration has reiterated its commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive and impactful NAWOJ FCT, with emphasis on members’ welfare, professional growth, women’s advancement, strategic partnerships and service to society.

The endorsement at the November 14 congress is expected to further strengthen the chapter’s focus on continuity, institutional development and collective responsibility.

For NAWOJ FCT, the message from the congress was clear: leadership, unity and service remain central to the association’s progress.

TOGETHER WE LEAD.