As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Workers’ Day, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has hailed the resilience and dedication of Nigerian workers, particularly journalists, amid the nation’s economic challenges.
In her Workers’ Day message, Comrade Ike emphasized the need to protect press freedom and improve the working conditions of media professionals, aligning her remarks with this year’s theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”
She noted that Workers’ Day is more than a celebration it is a reminder to safeguard the civic space and defend the fundamental rights that sustain democracy.
“Workers’ Day is not just a time to honour the value of work, but also a time to recommit ourselves to protecting the civic space a space where every voice matters, where truth is defended, and where rights are respected,” she said.
Comrade Ike decried the rising cost of living, job insecurity, and limited job opportunities, warning that these economic pressures not only endanger livelihoods but also threaten free speech and the independence of the press.
She stressed the crucial role of journalists in today’s society, urged them to continue speaking truth to power, amplifying the voices of the vulnerable, and resisting censorship.
“The media plays a vital role, now more than ever. Journalists must continue to speak out, hold leaders accountable, and protect the voices of the vulnerable,” Ike said. “We must defend press freedom, push back against censorship, and fight for fair treatment at work.”
The NUJ FCT Chair called on government, private sector employers, and civil society to create better working environments and to support journalists in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
“Let’s not allow these economic struggles to take away our rights or silence us,” she added. “Instead, let our difficulties unite us in building a fairer Nigeria where every worker has a real chance to thrive.”
As the first woman to lead the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike concluded her message with a powerful call for unity, investment in human capital, and a shared commitment to national development.
