NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the Beacon of Education Award by Beautiful Beginning Academy in recognition of her outstanding commitment to educational excellence and contributions to learning and youth development.

The award was presented on Friday during the academy’s graduation ceremony held at Nile University after the institution acknowledged the role played by the NUJ FCT Council under Comrade Ike in supporting its pupils during a national media quiz competition, where the school emerged overall winner.

Presenting the award before parents, teachers, graduates and other dignitaries, the Proprietor and Managing Director of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Nasa Okolie, described Comrade Ike as a compassionate leader whose quiet acts of generosity have positively impacted the lives of many children without seeking public recognition.

She recalled that the academy approached the NUJ FCT Council for support barely two weeks before participating in the national competition and received an immediate positive response from Comrade Ike.

According to her, the NUJ FCT Chairman went beyond endorsing the initiative by ensuring the pupils received the welfare, logistics and motivational support they needed throughout the competition.

She noted that the intervention played a significant role in boosting the students’ morale and contributed to the academy’s emergence as the overall winner.

“She came in and changed the narrative. There is nothing I can give her that equals what she has done for these children,” Dr. Okolie said.

The academy described Comrade Ike as a beacon of compassion whose commitment has inspired both students and educators.

In recognition of her impact, the institution presented her with the Beacon of Education Award, citing her dedication to educational excellence and invaluable contributions to youth development.

An emotional Comrade Grace Ike, who said she had no prior knowledge that she would receive the honour, described the award as both a surprise and a renewed call to service.

Holding back tears, she dedicated the award to Ms. Adaeze Tochukwu Taha Okeke, a student living with special needs whose story deeply touched her during the graduation ceremony.

“I dedicate this award to Adaeze,” she said.

Comrade Ike also pledged to devote more of her time, professional platform and influence to advocating for children living with special needs.

“I will amplify their voices, tell their stories and continue to use journalism to draw attention to their needs so society can better support them,” she said.

She further commended Adaeze’s family for their unwavering commitment and resilience, promising that their story would continue to inspire advocacy for inclusion, equal opportunities and greater support for children with special needs.

The presentation of the Beacon of Education Award received a standing ovation from guests and emerged as one of the defining moments of the 2026 Beautiful Beginning Academy graduation ceremony, underscoring the growing role of journalism, philanthropy and community partnerships in advancing inclusive education in Nigeria.

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