…vow to revolutionise council

…as healthcare, welfare, capacity building, accountability, face-lift of council building tops priority

By Gloria Ikibah

Comrade Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) and immediate past chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps has been elected first female Chairman of NUJ FCT Council.

Comrade Ike who is also the immediate past Vice Chairman of NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel polled a total of 445 affirmative votes to emerge as Chairman of the council.

The first elected female and sworn-in as 17th Chairman of the NUJ FCT, after 43 years, in her inaugural speech on Wednesday, at the FCT NUJ Council in Abuja, assured journalists of working with them and her team to revolutionize the affairs of the Council.

She expressed gratitude and appreciation to her teaming supporters who dedicated their time, money and life to actualize her ambition, which she was able to scale all hurdles.

Comrade Ike acknowledged and hailed the recently elected National Executive of NUJ at the just concluded 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference, in Owerri, Imo State, where Alhassan Yahya Abdulah  was elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya Abdulahi along with his Deputy, and the entire Central Working Committee , which she described as well-deserved victory, saying their  emergence “signifies a fresh chapter for our union at the national level”, and pledged support of the FCT Council and to work collaboratively to strengthen and uphold the ideals of the noble profession.

She said: “As I assume this noble office, I am guided by the timeless words of John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” With this wisdom, we will navigate a path toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.

“A Vision for Progress; Welfare: The welfare of our members remains a cornerstone of this administration. From affordable health insurance schemes to empowerment initiatives, every member will feel the positive impact of our leadership.

“Training and Capacity Building: Continuous learning is vital for professional growth. To this end, we will facilitate opportunities for both local and international training programs. As a flagship initiative, we will sponsor 20 members for the 2024/2025 Postgraduate Program at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) with a 50% subsidy—just the beginning of our capacity-building plans.

“Infrastructure and Sporting Activities: Transforming our press center into a world-class facility will be a priority. Additionally, we will promote wellness and camaraderie through regular sporting activities, fostering a healthy body and a sound mind.

“Committees for Success: We will establish dedicated committees with clear mandates and measurable deliverables to drive our collective aspirations.

“Media Enhancement Bill: In collaboration with the NUJ National Secretariat, we will actively advocate for the passage of the Media Enhancement Bill to safeguard and elevate journalism as a profession.

“Inclusivity and Transparency: Inclusivity and transparency will form the bedrock of this administration. Every voice will be heard, and our financial records will remain open, ensuring accountability and trust.

“Empowerment and Recognition: We will introduce a Creative Writing Workshop Endowment in early 2025 to nurture creativity and innovation among our members, further empowering them to excel.

“Annual General Meetings and Financial Prudence: We will institutionalize Annual General Meetings (AGMs) as a platform for reflection, evaluation, and redirection, ensuring fiscal discipline and operational efficiency.

“Journalists’ Village and Professional Integrity: Realizing the dream of a journalists’ village will be a hallmark of this administration. Simultaneously, we will uphold the integrity of our union by addressing the challenge of quackery, preserving the honor of our profession.”

However,HowevNumber 1 Journalist in Abuja, called for action and appealed to members of the Council to work together and come up with useful ideas that would move the Council forward.

“A Call for Unity: As I take on this responsibility, I call on every member of the NUJ FCT Council to join hands with us. This administration is not about me; it belongs to all of us.

“Let us unite as one body with one vision. As the African proverb aptly states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“Today, I pledge my total commitment to you and to the ideals of this union. Together, we will build a legacy of professionalism, progress, and pride—a union that will stand as a beacon for generations to come.”

“he road ahead may be challenging, but with unity, determination, and faith, it will be rewarding.

“Thank you for this opportunity to serve. Let us forge ahead together into this new era of transformation.”