Top Lawmakers, Media Chiefs storm NUJ FCT As Grace Ike marks One Year of transformative leadership

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Thursday hosted an impressive gathering of top lawmakers, media executives and senior public officials as the Council marked the first anniversary of its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, alongside the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodelling of the Council’s Secretariat in Abuja.

The event drew notable personalities including the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr; Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam; Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo; and the Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Arc. Bature Garba, among other dignitaries.

“We Broke a 41-Year Pattern” — Ike Reflects on Historic Mandate

In her anniversary speech, Comrade Ike noted that her emergence a year ago “broke a 41-year pattern” by producing the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, a development she described as a “defining moment” that opened a new chapter for the union.

She said the last 12 months have been defined by deliberate reforms anchored on unity, professionalism and welfare.

According to her, the leadership chose “transformation over tradition, unity over division, and progress over stagnation.”

Ike listed strategic milestones including renewed emphasis on training, establishment of press clubs in secondary schools, enhanced capacity-building programmes for information officers, and the revival of inter-journalistic sporting events such as football and table tennis.

On welfare, she said the Council prioritised the well-being of journalists through medical outreaches and responsive support systems, insisting that “a journalist’s life is as important as the story they tell.”

Speaking on infrastructure, she described the day’s groundbreaking of the Secretariat remodelling as a major stride toward providing journalists with a conducive, modern workspace.

“Our first year was rebuilding; the next will be elevation,” she declared.

Rotimi: Journalists Carry the Burden of Nation-Building

Delivering his goodwill message, House of Representatives spokesperson Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr hailed Ike’s leadership, describing her as “our ambassador” who contributed meaningfully to the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda during her time as Chair of the House Press Corps.

Rotimi said journalists remain indispensable to democratic governance and public accountability, noting their role comes with intense pressure and limited appreciation.

“I know the burden you carry. People remember journalists only when there are mistakes, yet the weight of nation-building sits heavily on your shoulders,” he said.

He applauded the proposed remodelling of the NUJ complex, describing it as an audacious and visionary step that “can only be achieved by the grace of God.” He pledged personal support and said the House leadership would also contribute to the project.

Bamidele Salam: Leadership Beyond Gender, Tribe and Faith

In his remarks, Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, praised Ike’s first year in office, describing it as marked by “capacity, integrity, passion and commitment to service.”

According to him, “The true colour of service is not seen in gender, tribe or faith, but in the heart of the leader. In one year, we have witnessed your dedication and capacity.”

Salam described the groundbreaking of the Secretariat’s remodelling as a historic step toward providing a better working environment for journalists.

He promised continuous support and pledged to mobilise other stakeholders to contribute to the Council’s development.

FCDA: Abuja’s Growth Depends on Responsible Journalism

Also speaking, FCDA Director of Public Building, Arc. Bature T. Garba, reaffirmed the FCDA’s long-standing support for the NUJ and underscored the importance of media collaboration in the development of Abuja.

He said effective reportage, accurate information and public enlightenment remain vital to the success of ongoing reforms by the FCT Administration under the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.

“As Abuja grows into a more resilient and globally competitive capital city, partnership between developers and the media becomes even more strategic,” he said.

Garba pledged continued technical guidance to ensure modern, functional and architecturally sound facilities for journalists.

Editors, Stakeholders Pledge Continued Support

The event also featured goodwill messages from the Director of News, Mr. Sumner Sambo; Elder Timothy Elewere; former NUJ Chairmen; Leadership Newspapers MD, Hajiya Miriam; and other industry stakeholders.

A major highlight was the unveiling of a new book, The Power of Her Voice, authored by Benjamin Ubiri, celebrating women’s leadership and impact in journalism.

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