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By Gloria Ikibah

The Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) has nominated the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, for a prestigious award in recognition of what it described as her outstanding leadership and contributions to the journalism profession.

The nomination was announced during a courtesy visit by AWALCO executives, led by the association’s President, Comrade Innocent Odoh, to the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja.

Odoh applauded Ike’s performance since assuming office, describing her emergence as the first female Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council as a landmark achievement.

He said her leadership had brought visible changes to the council and demonstrated the qualities required to inspire confidence and drive meaningful reforms.

“We are indeed very impressed and inspired. It takes somebody with this kind of courage and commitment, and someone who will take charge of things, and we are really seeing the change,” Odoh said.

He explained that the nomination followed extensive consultations within the association on journalists and media leaders who had distinguished themselves through exceptional service to the profession.

According to him, Ike’s achievements, including her previous role as Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps, made her a worthy candidate for the award.

Odoh disclosed that AWALCO had initially planned to hold the ceremony last year as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament.

However, he said the event had to be postponed after the regional parliament scheduled a separate award ceremony.

He added that the proposed award was also part of the association’s efforts to deepen collaboration with the NUJ FCT Council.

According to him, AWALCO intends to partner with the council to organise seminars, workshops and conferences focusing on democracy, good governance, development and legislative accountability.

Describing the legislature as the backbone of every democratic system, Odoh stressed that parliamentary correspondents have a critical responsibility to examine policies, interrogate democratic processes and ensure that legislation translates into meaningful development for citizens.

With West Africa’s population exceeding 400 million people, he said stronger cooperation between AWALCO and the NUJ will create an opportunity to promote democratic values and strengthen governance across the ECOWAS sub-region.

Responding, Comrade Ike expressed appreciation for the recognition and assured the association of the NUJ FCT Council’s readiness to work closely with AWALCO.

“I really don’t take this award for granted. I’m honoured,” she said.

She emphasised the need for journalists to remain committed to the core values of the profession, including accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical reporting.

According to her, the media remains one of the most important institutions in any society and must continue to serve as a force for accountability and development.

Ike also challenged journalists to broaden their focus beyond traditional reporting areas and pay greater attention to issues capable of driving positive change across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

She reiterated that the welfare of journalists remains one of the key priorities of her administration.

The NUJ chairman also encouraged AWALCO members to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in all their activities.

She assured the association that the council will support its initiatives through publicity and strategic collaboration.

Ike further urged journalists to critically examine emerging issues affecting democracy in the region, including electoral reforms and other policy proposals capable of strengthening democratic institutions.

She noted that issues with the potential to improve governance should be properly scrutinised and brought into public discourse.

“Leadership is not easy. If you are a leader, you must do everything possible to leave a legacy behind,” she said.

She also encouraged younger journalists to remain committed to changing public perceptions about leadership and service.

According to her, journalists must strive to tell stories that make a meaningful difference and positively impact society.

Also speaking during the visit, AWALCO’s Financial Secretary, Favour Olise, praised Ike’s leadership and urged her to continue mentoring young professionals in the industry.

“Younger ones not in age, younger ones in the journalism profession, carry them along as you are already doing and keep doing the good works,” Olise said.

She described Ike’s achievements as inspiring, particularly her efforts to attract reputable organisations to collaborate with the NUJ.

Olise added that the NUJ chairman’s leadership was contributing significantly to the growth of the profession and strengthening the image of journalism in the Federal Capital Territory.

AWALCO reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the NUJ FCT Council, especially in advancing legislative journalism, promoting democratic accountability and supporting good governance across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The European Union has approved €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian funding to help Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic contain the worsening cholera outbreak spreading across West and Central Africa.

The intervention comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 61,000 cholera cases across the African region within the first five months of 2026, raising concerns over the growing public health crisis.

Nigeria, which has recorded one of the highest disease burdens, will receive the largest share of the funding, amounting to €1.5 million.

According to the European Commission, the support will be used to expand emergency response teams, provide essential medical supplies, distribute cholera treatment kits and strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene interventions.

The funding will also support the treatment of public water sources and household water, improve epidemiological surveillance in hard-to-reach communities and strengthen case management, risk communication and public awareness campaigns.

Cameroon will receive €100,000 to support outbreak containment efforts through the deployment of additional personnel, provision of essential medicines and establishment of more cholera treatment units and oral rehydration centres in affected communities.

In the Central African Republic, €500,000 has been earmarked to improve case management, expand vaccination campaigns and strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene programmes.

The funding will also support surveillance, case detection, community engagement and provision of safe and dignified burials.

Chad will receive €200,000 to improve access to clean water, strengthen sanitation services and support community-based surveillance and treatment programmes aimed at stopping the spread of the disease.

European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said the outbreak highlighted the devastating consequences of inadequate access to basic healthcare and clean water.

“Cholera is preventable and treatable. Yet it still threatens lives when people lack something as basic as safe water and healthcare.

“At a time when humanitarian needs are growing and resources are shrinking, Europe is not looking away.

“This emergency funding will help our partners act quickly, contain the outbreaks and protect the communities most at risk,” Lahbib said.

Health experts say cholera is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium and is commonly transmitted through contaminated water or food.

The disease can cause severe diarrhoea, leading to rapid dehydration and shock if left untreated.

Although cholera remains a major public health challenge in many developing countries, the European Commission noted that it is not a common health problem in Europe and that the risk of transmission from imported cases remains low.

The latest intervention underscores growing international concern over the spread of cholera across Africa, where poor sanitation, limited access to clean water and humanitarian crises continue to fuel outbreaks.

Public health experts have repeatedly stressed that improving access to safe drinking water and strengthening healthcare systems remain the most effective long-term solutions to preventing future outbreaks.

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By Gloria Ikibah

Abuja the nation’s capital is set to become the global capital of public relations in November as communication experts, policymakers, diplomats, academics and business leaders from across the world converge on Nigeria for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).

Beyond professional discussions, organisers have unveiled an ambitious cultural programme that includes the maiden edition of the Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, expected to attract about 10,000 participants, alongside a fashion showcase designed to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The week-long event, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” will examine the evolving role of communication in governance, peacebuilding, technology, conflict resolution, sustainable development and the fight against misinformation.

President and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, disclosed the plans during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, the forum will go beyond the traditional conference format by creating a platform for direct engagement between communication professionals and key stakeholders from different sectors.

He explained that the event would bring together policymakers, business executives, diplomats, security experts, academics and other major users of communication services.

Neliaku said one of the most significant outcomes of the gathering would be the development of the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, a framework expected to shape the future of public relations over the next decade.
He noted that organisers intentionally designed the forum to encourage dialogue among stakeholders from different sectors.

“We deliberately decided to bring stakeholders into the same room to listen to their expectations, challenges and experiences,” he said.

The forum is expected to attract participants from the fields of politics, governance, business, commerce, technology, academia, security, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, diplomacy, youth development and civil society.
Activities lined up for the event include high-level policy dialogues, workshops, masterclasses, networking sessions and expert-led discussions.

The event will also host the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference and an African Ministers of Information Roundtable, which Nigeria’s Minister of Information is expected to lead.

Perhaps one of the biggest attractions of the forum will be the introduction of the Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, which organisers say will combine culture, cuisine and social responsibility.

The festival is expected to provide meals for about 10,000 people while promoting one of Nigeria’s most celebrated dishes on the global stage.

International visitors will also have the opportunity to experience African fashion through a seven-hour tailoring pavilion, where delegates can have traditional outfits made and take them home as souvenirs.

The programme will further feature exhibitions, entertainment and an interactive experience zone showcasing Nigerian and African art, food, culture and creativity.

Neliaku said the cultural elements were deliberately integrated into the programme to ensure that visitors experience Nigeria beyond the conference environment.

Another major highlight of the forum will be the proposed Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication.

The declaration is expected to build on the historic 1978 Mexico Statement, which established a widely accepted definition of public relations and outlined the profession’s core responsibilities.

Neliaku explained that the communication landscape has changed significantly over the past five decades, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence, social media, digital platforms and the increasing spread of misinformation.

He said the forum would provide an opportunity for global communication experts to review existing principles and develop a framework that reflects today’s realities.

The discussions, he added, will focus on how communication can better support governance, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and the management of emerging global challenges.

Describing the event as a “once-in-a-lifetime engagement,” Neliaku urged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of the profession.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to serve as the chief host, while President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is expected to deliver the presidential keynote address.

Representatives from several international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, UNESCO, Interpol, the World Press Agency and the World Customs Organisation, are also expected to attend.

The programme will feature the World Public Relations Awards to recognise outstanding individuals and organisations, while a special Global Alliance publication on responsible communication is expected to be unveiled.

Youth engagement will also feature prominently, with the Global Youth Public Relations Summit scheduled for November 20, 2026.

Neliaku said the NIPR, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, and APRA are committed to developing the next generation of communication professionals.

He urged diplomatic missions to encourage young people from their respective countries to participate.

According to him, young people must be given opportunities to engage in international conversations and develop the skills required to become responsible leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mersole Mellejor, described the forum’s theme as both timely and relevant.

He noted that the growing spread of misinformation and fake news had made responsible communication more important than ever.

According to him, the forum will provide an opportunity for communication experts, academics and policymakers to examine how communication could promote social cohesion, inclusion, good governance and sustainable development.

Mellejor also described Nigeria as a major economic, cultural and innovation hub, adding that Abuja was an ideal venue for the global gathering.

He assured organisers of the support of the Diplomatic Corps.

With its blend of professional dialogue, cultural diplomacy, food, fashion and entertainment, WPRF 2026 is expected to offer the world a unique opportunity to experience Nigeria while shaping the future of global communication.