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…groundbreaking for the Council’s long-awaited remodelled secretariat

…media indispensable to effective lawmaking, public trust – Reps Spokesperson

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Thursday welcomed an array of distinguished guests, including the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., and the Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo, as Chairman Comrade Grace Ike marked her first anniversary in office, an occasion that also featured the groundbreaking of the remodelled council hall in Abuja.

The gathering celebrated Ike’s historic rise as the first woman to lead the NUJ FCT Council in its 41-year history, as well as the strides made under her stewardship.

In her address, Comrade Ike reflected on the significance of the mandate entrusted to her, declaring that the union had “broke a 41-year pattern” by electing its first female chairman, an act she described as a defining moment that “ignited a new dawn” for the council.

She said the milestone being commemorated was “a story of a council that chose transformation over tradition, unity over division, and progress over stagnation,” noting that her administration entered office with a firm resolve “to rebuild trust, revive spirits, and reposition the NUJ FCT as a powerful house of journalism.”

Highlighting efforts to strengthen internal bonds, Ike noted that shared moments across Christmas, Ramadan iftar, Salah celebrations and Easter “proved that unity is not a slogan but a lifestyle.”

She emphasised that the council had also prioritised professional growth, explaining that her administration “reinforced the backbone of professionalism” through training programmes, the creation of new press clubs in secondary schools, and structured capacity development for information officers.

The anniversary celebration continued with praise from invited dignitaries and renewed commitments from partners eager to support the council’s transformation and the redevelopment of its secretariat.

On welfare, she said journalists’ well-being remained central to her administration, explaining that medical outreaches and responsive support interventions reaffirmed her belief that “a journalist’s life is as important as the story they tell.” She celebrated the revival of the council’s sporting culture through football and table tennis tournaments that united members beyond the newsroom.

Turning to infrastructure, Ike pointed to the day’s ground-breaking ceremony as a decisive step in transforming the council’s physical home. She stressed that journalists “deserve a conducive and well-equipped environment” that enhances pride and productivity, adding that the council was looking to stakeholders and policymakers to support the new vision.

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

“With your support, we will continue shaping a council that commands respect across Nigeria—a council where welfare thrives, professionalism blossoms and unity endures”, she said.

In a goodwill message, the House of Representatives Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi praised Ike’s leadership, describing her as “our ambassador” and commending her contribution to the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda during her time as Chair of the House Press Corps.

Rotimi assured journalists of the continued support of the National Assembly, noting that the media is indispensable to effective lawmaking and public trust.

He reflected on the pressures journalists endure—from racing deadlines to ensuring accuracy—and called for improved working conditions and welfare support.

“I know the burden of responsibility you carry.

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

He commended the plans for the council’s new structure, referring to it as the kind of ambitious vision that “must be so big it can only be achieved by the Grace of God.”

Rotimi commended Ike for demonstrating that women excel when given opportunities, describing her as someone who “holds her own in very accomplished circles” and predicting she would be called to higher national service in the future.

Also in a goodwill message, the Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Arc. Bature Garba, emphasised the long-standing partnership between the NUJ and the institutions responsible for Abuja’s development.

He noted that the progress of the nation’s capital depends heavily on “Accurate information, responsible reportage and meaningful public enlightenment,” roles he described as central to the NUJ’s mandate.

Garba recalled the FCDA’s past intervention in advancing the NUJ FCT Council Complex in Utako and reaffirmed his department’s commitment to provide technical guidance and professional oversight to ensure that facilities serving the media meet the highest standards.

He added that as Abuja continues its transformation into a globally competitive city, collaboration between developers and the media becomes even more critical.

Similarly, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Salam, congratulated Comrade Ike on her first anniversary in office, describing her leadership as exemplary and transformative.

He described Grace Ike as a leader with  “capacity, integrity, passion and commitment to service,” noting that her achievements within one year had validated the trust reposed in her by members of the council.

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

He highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodelling of the NUJ Secretariat as a major milestone under her leadership, describing it as a testament to vision and purposeful administration.

He encouraged the NUJ FCT leadership to remain focused on excellence, teamwork, and inclusiveness, stressing that the end of every leadership journey is what determines its true assessment. “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof,” he said, quoting scripture.

The lawmaker pledged continuous support—personal and institutional—for the council’s development initiatives, promising to mobilize other stakeholders to contribute as well.

He prayed for greater opportunities for the chairperson and her team, expressing optimism that their achievements in office would pave the way for larger roles in national service.

The Director of Public Buildings at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Personal Architect to the FCT Minister, Arch. Bature Garba, stressed the need for deeper collaboration between the media and city developers to advance the growth of the Federal Capital Territory.

Garba said the development of Abuja has historically depended on strong partnerships among government institutions, professional bodies, and the public.

He described the media—particularly the NUJ FCT Council—as one of the most strategic partners in the process of building a functional, modern and sustainable capital city.

Garba commended the leadership of the NUJ FCT under Comrade Grace Ike, noting that the anniversary presented an opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing synergy between media practitioners and agencies responsible for Abuja’s physical development.

He highlighted the ambitious reforms of the FCT Administration under the Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, in areas of infrastructure renewal, city maintenance and improved service delivery. According to him, the success of these reforms relies heavily on accurate information dissemination, responsible reportage and sustained public enlightenment — roles the media continues to play with “professionalism and patriotic commitment.”

The Director also acknowledged the FCDA’s historical support for the journalism profession, recalling the Administration’s intervention in the ongoing construction of the NUJ FCT Council Complex in Utako. The project, he said, is envisioned to serve as a modern workspace, training centre and press hub for journalists across the territory.

Garba reaffirmed the commitment of the Department of Public Buildings—which he leads—to offering technical support, professional oversight and guidance necessary for projects serving the media community and the general public.

He emphasised that ensuring safety, functionality and architectural excellence in public structures remains central to the department’s mandate.

“As Abuja grows into a more resilient and globally competitive capital city, partnership between the developers of the city and the media is even more crucial,” he said, adding that mutual respect, transparency and shared purpose are essential for achieving an orderly, progressive and inclusive FCT.

He congratulated the NUJ FCT Council and its leadership, urging them to continue championing a united voice in the public interest.

“Together, with collaboration and one vision, we can build a better Abuja for today and future generations,” he said.

Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a book titled: “The Power of Her Voice, GRACE IKE: Media Politics, and Strategic Publicity”, written by Benjamin Ubiri, member of the NUJ-FCT.