Female journalists from various media organizations across Kano State have received a major boost in professional development following a capacity-building workshop organized by the Aminu Garba Magashi Foundation, aimed at strengthening skills, professionalism and ethical journalism practice among female media practitioners.
The workshop, which attracted participants from print, broadcast and online media platforms, focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of contemporary journalism practices, media ethics, leadership and career development in an increasingly dynamic media environment.
Seasoned journalists and media professionals served as facilitators and resource persons at the event. They included Comrade Uba Abdullahi, Lirwan’i Idris Malikawa Garu, Comrade Aliyu Yusuf and Comrade Murtala Adewale, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
Through interactive sessions, the facilitators shared practical insights on responsible reporting, newsroom professionalism, ethical challenges in journalism and strategies for personal and professional growth.
Speaking at the workshop, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi—represented by Comrade Mustafa Muhammad Gambo—described the initiative as timely and highly relevant. He noted that the fast-changing media landscape, driven by technology and social media, makes continuous training and capacity enhancement imperative for journalists to remain credible and competitive.
Comrade Dederi commended the Aminu Garba Magashi Foundation for investing in women journalists, stressing that empowering female media practitioners would not only improve journalism standards but also strengthen public discourse and democratic development.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria
Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, Sayyida Bahijja Malam Kabara, called on non-governmental organizations, development partners and philanthropists to emulate the foundation by supporting training initiatives for women journalists.
According to her, such interventions are critical to grooming competent, confident and responsible female journalists capable of shaping narratives and influencing positive social change.
She further encouraged NAWOJ members to actively participate in workshops, seminars and professional engagements, emphasizing that consistent exposure to training opportunities would strengthen both individual capacity and the collective impact of the association. Sayyida Kabara expressed profound appreciation to Aminu Garba Magashi, describing the workshop as a “giant opportunity” for women journalists in Kano State.
Also speaking, the Secretary of NAWOJ, Kano State Chapter, Comrade Maryam Muhammad Yakasai, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to initiating and collaborating on more impactful programs aimed at advancing the professional development of women journalists across the state.
Participants at the workshop, including Dalal, Aisha J. Ahmad and Halima Wada Sinkin, expressed gratitude to the Aminu Garba Magashi Foundation for organizing the training.
They pledged to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve their professional practice and contribute more effectively to the media industry.
The workshop ended with a renewed call for sustained collaboration among media organizations, civil society groups and philanthropic foundations to support the growth, empowerment and visibility of women journalists in Kano State, as stakeholders agreed that continuous capacity building remains key to strengthening ethical and professional journalism.
