The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim has called for deeper institutional collaboration with the National Orientation Agency to strengthen civic education, combat misinformation, and promote inclusive democratic participation in Nigeria.
This was made known on Friday, April 10, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, by a delegation of NAWOJ executives.
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Strengthening Civic Engagement and Electoral Awareness
Speaking during the visit, the NAWOJ National Chairperson said the association was not only on a courtesy call but also presenting a strategic partnership proposal aimed at improving citizen engagement, particularly around elections.
She noted that elections must go beyond routine democratic events to processes that are widely understood, trusted, and actively owned by citizens.
According to her, “orientation, education, and citizen engagement are no longer optional—they are essential,” stressing the need for sustained public enlightenment to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
Proposed Joint Initiative
NAWOJ proposed a joint NOA–NAWOJ programme focused on:
- Capacity building and training for journalists and community mobilizers
- Civic and voter education across communities
- Combating misinformation and disinformation
- Promoting peaceful electoral participation
- Development of simplified civic materials in local languages
- Nationwide media campaigns promoting unity, inclusivity, and informed voting.
The association also recommended that the initiative serve as a pilot programme ahead of upcoming electoral cycles, with measurable impact across states.
Push for Inclusion and Representation
The NAWOJ Chairperson further emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, insisting that women, youths, and marginalized groups must not only be encouraged to vote but also empowered to lead and contest for elective positions.
She advocated sustained national dialogue on greater female representation in governance, including special legislative seats for women, describing representation as “a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
DG NOA Commends NAWOJ, Calls Collaboration Timely
In his response, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended NAWOJ for its “huge interventions over the decades” in promoting responsible journalism, civic awareness, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
He described NAWOJ as a critical partner in national development and said its contributions to civic education, gender advocacy, and ethical media practice have remained significant in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space.
The DG further noted that the proposed collaboration between NOA and NAWOJ was both strategic and timely, especially as the country continues to deepen democratic participation and address challenges of misinformation and civic disengagement.
He expressed the agency’s readiness to work closely with NAWOJ in developing sustainable programmes that promote national unity, responsible communication, and informed citizen participation.
Commitment to National Development
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public understanding of governance processes and expanding civic education outreach across Nigeria.
NAWOJ emphasized that the partnership would help build a more informed citizenry and strengthen trust in democratic institutions, while NOA pledged to support initiatives that align with its mandate of national reorientation and value restoration.
The visit ended with a shared commitment to building a more inclusive, informed, and participatory democracy in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by Wasilah Ladan, the National Secretary NAWOJ.
