NUJ FCT : Grace Ike Marks 1yr, Unveils Secretariat Remodelling Project

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Council marked a significant milestone in Abuja with the first anniversary of its Chairman Grace Ike, drawing several lawmakers and media figures for the unveiling of its secretariat remodelling project.

House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr., Public Accounts Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam, Arise News Managing Director Bayo Awosemo and FCDA Director of Public Buildings Bature Garba were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony, which blended celebration with a renewed commitment to strengthening journalism in the nation’s capital.

The gathering, held at the union’s secretariat in Utako, brought together editors, frontline correspondents, veteran media leaders and representatives of government institutions, many of whom described the event as a defining moment for the council.

Comrade Ike, who broke a 41-year barrier by becoming the council’s first female chairman, said the past year had been one of “deliberate reform, healing, and progress.”

She told members that her team came into office with a resolve “to rebuild trust, revive spirits and reposition the NUJ FCT as a powerful house of journalism.”

Reflecting on her one year leadership, She cited training programmes, renewed fellowship among journalists, the revival of press clubs in schools, and expanded capacity-building sessions for information officers as achievements of her administration.

Ike added that the remodelling of the secretariat was long overdue, saying journalists deserve “a well-equipped, dignified and inspiring environment that reflects the critical work they do for the nation.”

In his remarks, House spokesman Rotimi praised Ike’s leadership, describing her as someone who “holds her own in very accomplished circles” and has consistently promoted a healthier relationship between the media and the legislature.

Rotimi said journalists remain indispensable to the lawmaking process, noting that accuracy, speed and accountability depend heavily on quality reporting.

Also, the Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts Bamidele Salam commended Ike for what he described as “capacity, integrity, passion and commitment to service.””

He said her performance had validated the confidence reposed in her by the council and the broader media community.

He pledged continuous personal and institutional support for the council’s development initiatives.

The Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Director of Public Buildings, Bature Garba, emphasised the important role journalists play in shaping public perception and supporting policy implementation.

Garba recalled the FCDA’s previous interventions in enhancing the NUJ complex and said the agency would provide technical advisory support to ensure the remodelled facility meets engineering and safety standards.

Several editors and former council chairmen, including Leadership Newspapers Managing Director Hajiya Miriam, FCT Media Veterans Forum leaders and senior newsroom executives, commended Ike’s leadership and pledged support for the ongoing transformation.

Speakers highlighted her collaborative style, renewed advocacy for journalists’ welfare, and efforts to strengthen newsroom-government engagement.

Many described her first year as “bold, unifying, and forward-looking.”

A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of “The Power of Her Voice,” a new book by author Benjamin Ubiri, celebrating female leadership and the evolving space for women in Nigerian journalism.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji