Young Female Professionals in Media (YFPM) has inaugurated its members and executive council in Kano, northern Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening women’s participation and leadership in the country’s media industry.
The inauguration ceremony, held on 7 February 2026 at Tahir Guest Hall in Kano State, brought together journalists, academics, government officials and early-career female media practitioners to discuss professionalism, ethics and gender inclusion in journalism.
In her opening remarks, YFPM Chairperson Maryam Usman Nagado said the platform was established to support young women in media through mentorship, professional development and networking, while addressing long-standing barriers to women’s advancement in the field.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Government, Mustapha Muhammad, emphasised the importance of ethical journalism and responsible communication, urging young female professionals to remain resilient and committed to high professional standards.
Academic Professor Hadiza Ibrahim highlighted structural and cultural challenges confronting women in the media, stressing that confidence, intellectual capacity and continuous learning are critical for women seeking leadership roles in journalism.
Another speaker, Dr. Bala Muhammad, called on media professionals to uphold integrity while embracing innovation in response to the rapidly changing global media environment.
A key moment of the event was the launch of the YFPM Calendar by Arc. Ahmad Abba Yusuf, Executive Secretary of the Kano State History and Culture Bureau.
The launch drew financial contributions from stakeholders present, reflecting growing institutional support for the association’s objectives.
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the formation of YFPM as timely, noting that increasing female representation in media leadership is essential for inclusive public discourse.
He pledged the state government’s support for the initiative.
Members of the association were formally inaugurated and sworn in by legal practitioner Badiha Abdullahi Muaz, who charged them to uphold the organisation’s constitution and ethical principles.
Representatives of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Customs Service also addressed the gathering, calling for professionalism and stronger collaboration between the media and public institutions.
The inauguration of YFPM marks the start of a coordinated effort to elevate the visibility, influence and leadership of young women within Nigeria’s media sector.
