Press Week: NUJ FCT Honour Speaker, Al-makura, Others

Prominent Nigerians, including Senator Tanko Al-Makura and the Speaker of the house of representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, have been honoured by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, for their contributions to national development and media advancement.

Senator Al-Makura, Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission and a former governor of Nasarawa State, received the 2025 Media Personality Award during the NUJ’s Press Week Lecture and Awards ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, with the theme: “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.”

Al-Makura, who chaired the occasion, said his experiences in governance and journalism shaped his understanding of the media’s pivotal role in democracy.

“Having served as a Governor, a lawmaker, and previously worked in the media, I understand the vital role the press plays—not just as society’s mirror but as its conscience. Journalism is more than reporting; it is essential for holding those in power accountable and keeping democracy alive.”

He stressed that democracy only makes sense when it protects lives, upholds rights, and promotes shared prosperity, which cannot be achieved without a free and responsible press.

To strengthen the media, Senator Al-Makura proposed the following national priorities:
A Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework, Media Innovation and Sustainability Fund,
Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities,
A National Fact-Checking Alliance:

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, delivered a paper titled “Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism without Rancour”.

He spoke about the recent Open Week at the National Assembly where thousands of citizens, including journalists and civil society groups, engaged directly with lawmakers.

“It was a proud moment for democracy and showed our commitment to open governance,” he said.

Dr Abbas also called on the Nigerian media to work together to build strong fact-checking systems that include newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society organisations, and government institutions. This, he said, is key to fighting the dangers of fake news and misinformation.

Also speaking the he Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, announced that the Federal Government plans to build more affordable houses, including a special Journalists’ Village in Abuja.

Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps Board, Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, who was also recognised and decorated as Patron of the NUJ FCT Council promised to continue supporting the NUJ in achieving its goals.

In her speech, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, said the Press Week was not just a time to celebrate but also to reflect and recommit to national progress.

“This is a moment to look at how far we’ve come and how much more we can do as journalists to support Nigeria’s growth,” she said.

The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Professor Mohammed Mainoma Akaro, former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University; Mr Yan Jin Xi, Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre; Mr Sunday Dare, Senior Special Assistant to the President, President Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero.

Highlight of the event was the launch of the NUJ FCT Magazine (Capital Voice) and NUJ FCT Journalists’ Welfare Scheme.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji