NAWOJ, RMRDC to Sign MoU on Women’s Economic Empowerment Through Industrial Raw Materials
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, FCT Chapter, and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to advance women’s economic empowerment through Nigeria’s industrial raw material sector.
The partnership was disclosed on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ FCT to the Council’s Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, in Abuja.
The planned MoU will strengthen collaboration in research, innovation and inclusive economic participation, with a focus on creating sustainable opportunities for women. It also supports RMRDC’s mandate as the Council prepares to host the maiden 2026 African Raw Materials Summit in June.
Under the partnership, both organisations will promote value addition, local resource utilisation and innovation for sustainable development, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking during the visit, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, said the association remains committed to advocating for the rights of women and children and using the media to drive national development.
Ikpang noted that NAWOJ FCT has about 350 practising female journalists across print, electronic and new media platforms in the FCT, and is dedicated to promoting professionalism, visibility and impactful advocacy.
She cited the association’s recent capacity-building programme with the German Embassy for International Women’s Day and unveiled plans for a “Marketplace Advocacy” outreach on April 30.
A statement by the Chapter’s Secretary, Nkiruka Okeke disclosed that the grassroots initiative will focus on women’s health, education and democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, while simplifying government policies and promoting active female participation in the electoral process.
Commending Prof. Ike-Muonso for his work in local raw materials development and value addition, Ikpang said it is crucial to Nigeria’s industrial growth and reducing import dependence. She announced him as Patron of NAWOJ FCT, pointing to his leadership and commitment to inclusive development.
“As media professionals, we are well positioned to amplify the initiatives and impact of your Council, ensuring your programmes receive the visibility they deserve,” she said.
In his response, Prof. Ike-Muonso commended NAWOJ’s advocacy and reaffirmed RMRDC’s commitment to industrial growth, local resource utilisation and innovation. He said the proposed MoU would enhance raw materials development and value addition in line with government priorities.
He pledged the Council’s full support for the partnership and for NAWOJ’s forthcoming Marketplace Advocacy initiative.
-A major highlight of the visit was the decoration of the Director-General as Patron of NAWOJ FCT, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to inclusive development.
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