Africa Housing Awards: NUJ FCT seeks dedicated housing scheme for Journalists

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has renewed calls for deliberate and sustainable housing solutions for media professionals, urging government and industry stakeholders to prioritise journalists as critical nation builders and custodians of public accountability.

Comrade Ike made the appeal while delivering a goodwill message at the Africa Housing Awards 2025 — the housing industry end-of-year dinner and awards night organised by the Housing Advocates Network in collaboration with Housing TV Show.

Addressing an audience that included the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Housing from Namibia, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and key industry leaders, Ike commended the organisers for sustaining advocacy around affordable housing across Africa.

She described affordable housing as one of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges, noting that platforms such as the Africa Housing Awards continue to amplify conversations that directly affect ordinary citizens.

The NUJ FCT chairman paid special tribute to the Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Barrister Festus Adebayo, describing him as a tireless housing advocate whose support for journalism has helped project the concerns of journalists and citizens alike.

Ike also welcomed the Namibian delegation at the event, saying their presence highlighted the need for cross-border collaboration in developing innovative and inclusive housing solutions across the African continent.

Focusing on journalists’ welfare, she appealed to the Federal Government and housing finance institutions, particularly the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, to develop tailored homeownership schemes for media professionals.

According to her, journalists play a vital role in shaping public discourse, promoting peace and strengthening democracy, yet many continue to operate without access to stable and dignified housing.

She disclosed that the NUJ FCT Council is repositioning its projects to deepen engagement in housing advocacy and media empowerment, signalling readiness for stronger collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders.

A major highlight of her address was a renewed call on the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to fulfil the long-standing promise of a Journalists’ Village in the Federal Capital Territory.

Ike expressed optimism that with institutional backing from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the proposed Journalists’ Village could be realised by 2026, providing journalists with secure homes and the peace of mind required for ethical and impactful reporting.

She concluded by urging journalists and stakeholders to work collectively to translate commitments into concrete outcomes, stressing that meaningful partnerships remain key to turning promises into structures and advancing national development.

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