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International Women’s Day: NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike Urges Greater Investment in Women
…praise female journalists across Nigeria for their professionalism
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for stronger and more deliberate investment in women as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.
In a statement to commemorate the 2026 IWD in Abuja on Sunday, Ike said the year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of supporting women through education, mentorship, opportunities and resources.
“Today, as the world marks International Women’s Day, I join millions across the globe in celebrating the strength, resilience, brilliance, and boundless potential of women.
“The 2026 theme, ‘Give To Gain,’ is a powerful reminder that when we intentionally invest in women, through education, mentorship, opportunity, and resources, we are not merely supporting individuals; we are strengthening families, communities, institutions, and nations,” she said.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Ike noted that the celebration holds special meaning for her as the first female Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council.
“For me, this year’s celebration carries a deeply personal meaning. As the first female Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, I stand on the shoulders of many courageous women who broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and refused to accept limitations placed on their dreams.
“My journey is a testament to what becomes possible when society chooses to give women the opportunity to lead, contribute, and excel,” she said.
According to her, empowering women brings benefits that extend far beyond individuals, especially within the media profession.
She praised female journalists across Nigeria for their growing contributions to the profession.
“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ perfectly captures this reality. When women are empowered, the benefits ripple far beyond the individual. Newsrooms become more inclusive, storytelling becomes richer, governance becomes more responsive, and societies become more just.
“In journalism especially, women have continued to prove their resilience, professionalism, and commitment to truth and public service.
“Across Nigeria, female journalists are breaking new ground, covering difficult beats, shaping public discourse, mentoring younger colleagues, and demonstrating that excellence knows no gender,” Ike stated.
The NUJ FCT chairman also stressed that the celebration should move beyond recognition to meaningful action.
“However, our celebration must go beyond recognition; it must translate into action.
“We must deliberately mentor young female journalists, create safe and supportive workplaces, provide leadership opportunities, and ensure that women’s voices are heard in decision-making spaces. These are the investments that will yield the greatest returns for the profession and for society.
“The United Nations call this year, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ is a timely reminder that the pursuit of equality must remain a collective responsibility.
“Governments, institutions, media organisations, and communities must work together to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s progress”, she added.
She also used the occasion to celebrate women within the NUJ and the wider media community.
“On this special day, I celebrate the extraordinary women within the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the FCT media community, and across our nation.
“Your courage, intellect, and dedication continue to inspire a new generation of women who are watching and learning that leadership is possible.
“Let us therefore recommit ourselves to giving more opportunities, more support, more mentorship, and more recognition to women, because when women rise, journalism rises, our communities thrive, and our nation grows stronger.
“When we give to women, we truly gain as a society,” Ike said.
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FCT Traditional Rulers Hail Tinubu’s Developmental Strides, Confers Wike With “Light of Abuja” Chieftaincy Title(Photos)
Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has conferred on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Chieftaincy title of “Hasken Abuja” (Light of Abuja), in recognition of his contributions to the development of the territory.
The traditional rulers, who thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the infrastructural development in the FCT, especially the satellite towns, asked for more recognition of the indigenous people of the federal capital.
Speaking during an appreciation visit by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Conference Hall in Abuja, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa, praised the administration for improving the welfare of traditional rulers and approved projects such as the construction of a new palace in Abaji.
The monarch noted that the honor recognizes Wike’s “visionary leadership” and “commitment to the development of the FCT,” specifically citing his recent approval for the construction of a new Ona Palace in Abaji, the upgrading of the status and welfare of FCT traditional rulers, and structural reforms that have restored dignity to the traditional institution.
Reading out their list of “more work for hard work,” the traditional rulers requested the provision of 17 tractors—one for each of the 17 Chiefdoms—to bolster food security for the territory’s rural agrarian communities.
They also advocated for the elevation of historically significant chiefdoms, such as Garki and Jiwa, to higher statuses.
Responding to traditional rulers demands, Wike promised to protect the interests of the indigenous people, granting several immediate requests:
He directed the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture to provide tractors for each of the 17 Chiefdoms.
Also, he instructed the Council of Chiefs to submit names for the creation of third-class traditional stools, stating, “It is not in my position to write who will be… you people should do the right thing.”
He pledged to resolve issues regarding land certificates based on the numbers submitted by the stakeholders.
”I’m now from here. For me to be the Light of Abuja, I must do everything to protect your interest,” Wike concluded, while maintaining that the FCT’s political future depends on having a “strong voice” in the National Assembly to lobby for the expansion of senatorial seats.
On the 2027 elections, the minister counselled the FCT stakeholders against electing weak or inexperienced representatives, saying that such choices could leave the territory voiceless at the National Assembly.
“The Senate is not an all-comers’ game. Experience matters, ranking matters… you must have a strong voice there,” he said.
The minister expressed concern that past representation had failed to effectively articulate the needs of the FCT, urging stakeholders to make more strategic decisions in future elections.
“You elected a senator you can’t see… a senator who cannot even organise the indigenous community to ask what their needs are,” he stated.
Wike said that repeating such mistakes would further weaken the territory’s ability to attract development and influence national policy decisions.
“If you make a mistake this time, it will be difficult for you. When it was time to help yourself, you didn’t help… don’t expect miracles,” he added as he endorsed Sen Philip Tanimu Aduda.
Beyond electoral choices, the minister linked political alignment with development outcomes, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had continued to deliver infrastructure projects in the FCT despite low electoral support in the 2023 elections.
“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr. President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you… now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.
“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr. President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you… now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.
He disclosed that several projects, including water supply schemes in rural communities and new road networks, would soon be inaugurated as part of activities marking the President’s anniversary in office.
“Mr. President has touched virtually all the satellite towns… more roads will be constructed to open up our communities,” Wike said.
The minister also charged incoming area council chairmen to focus on governance and address pressing challenges, particularly in the education sector.
“It cannot continue that our children are at home because of strikes. Education is a first priority… without it, there cannot be development,” he emphasised.
Earlier, President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr. Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, commended the minister for ongoing reforms and infrastructural development, while presenting key demands including increased representation for the FCT at the National Assembly and the creation of additional area councils.
The event, which opened with remarks from former Federal Commissioner Dr. Aliyu Almakura Abdulkadir, underscored a new era of collaborative governance, with the traditional institution positioning itself as a central pillar in the FCT’s drive for political and economic expansion.
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Watch moment FCT minister Wike being conferred with title of Abuja Hasken, Light of Abuja by FCT Traditional Council led by Ona of Abaji (Video)
Watch moment FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, being conferred with the title of Hasken Abuja (The Light of Abuja) today, by the FCT Traditional Council led by The Ona of Abaji, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa.
It’s indeed a well deserved title as truly Wike brought light to the Territory.
Watch:
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has increased the premium motor spirit price after Dangote Refinery raised its gantry price.
A market survey by DAILY POST on Thursday showed NNPCL outlets in Abuja and its environs have adjusted their petrol pump price to N1,364 per liter from N1,295. This means that the state-owned oil firm hiked petrol by N69 per liter.
The latest fuel prices have been implemented at Gwarimpa, Kubwa Expressway, Wuse Zone 6, and Zone 4 NNPCL filling stations in Abuja.
“We adjusted our pump price to N1364 per liter from N1295 this morning, an attendant said.
Filling stations in Abuja, such as MRS, BOVAS, and others, have raised their petrol price to between N1365 and N1370 per liter.
Recall that Dangote Refinery had on Wednesday increased its fuel gantry price by N75 to N1,275 per liter from N1,200 due to a hike in crude oil price to above $115 per liter.
FCT Traditional Rulers Hail Tinubu’s Developmental Strides, Confers Wike With “Light of Abuja” Chieftaincy Title(Photos)
Watch moment FCT minister Wike being conferred with title of Abuja Hasken, Light of Abuja by FCT Traditional Council led by Ona of Abaji (Video)
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