Financial independence and long-term security took centre stage at the January congress of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos chapter, as female media professionals were encouraged to develop additional sources of income beyond their primary jobs.

The advice was given during a session titled “Financial Literacy for Women in Media,” held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Ladi Lawal Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat, Ikeja. The session was facilitated by the Executive Director of Minds and Brains Limited, Mr. Olalekan Otun, and focused on practical financial strategies tailored to women working in the media industry.

Addressing participants, Otun stressed that relying on a single income stream can limit financial growth and stability, particularly in a rapidly evolving media landscape. He noted that diversifying income not only provides a safety net but also opens doors to new professional opportunities.

He outlined several side hustles aligned with media skills, including book publishing, blogging, photography studio management, book-editing consultancy, event planning, public speaking engagements and adjunct lecturing. According to him, these ventures allow media professionals to monetise their expertise while maintaining their core careers.

Otun also provided a clear framework for understanding financial literacy, describing it as the ability to apply economic knowledge and skills to manage money effectively, invest wisely and secure a comfortable future. He highlighted essential concepts such as earning, saving, borrowing, budgeting, stock investments, property ownership, retirement planning and navigating the digital economy.



NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson at the January 2026 Congress and Financial Literacy Session

Emphasising the importance of early planning, he encouraged participants to take advantage of financial instruments that enable wealth creation over time. He further advised women in media to be deliberate about monitoring pension remittances, securing health insurance through HMOs, exploring mortgage options and selecting reliable insurance and savings plans to ensure long-term financial security.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, as participants shared concerns and sought clarity on practical steps toward financial empowerment.

Reacting to the session, NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. She noted that the discussion equipped female journalists with actionable financial skills that would not only enhance their careers but also strengthen their independence and resilience in the profession.