The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Thursday hosted top lawmakers, media executives, and senior government officials as Comrade Grace Ike marked her first anniversary in office, alongside the groundbreaking of a redesigned and modernized Council Congress Hall in Abuja.
The event drew prominent personalities including the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr; Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam; Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo; FCDA Director of Public Buildings, Arc. Bature Garba; and Leadership Newspaper’s Managing Editor, Raliat Ahmed, among other senior editors and stakeholders.
In her anniversary address, Ike recalled the significance of her historic election as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in 41 years, described the moment as a turning point that “ignited a new dawn” for the union.
She said her administration took office with a mission to “rebuild trust, revive spirits and reposition the NUJ FCT as a powerful house of journalism,” emphasized that the achievements of the past year represented a collective choice for unity, professionalism, and progress.
Ike highlighted renewed fellowship within the union, investments in capacity-building, establishment of press clubs in secondary schools, and training for information officers. She noted that welfare remained a priority, citing medical outreach programmes and responsive support initiatives, while the revival of sporting activities had strengthened camaraderie among members.
Speaking on infrastructure, she described the groundbreaking of the remodeled Secretariat as a major leap toward creating a dignified and productive working environment for journalists. She urged stakeholders to support the vision, assured members that while the first year focused on rebuilding, the next phase would be “elevation.”
House of Representatives Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., praised Ike’s leadership, described her as “our ambassador” and acknowledged her contribution to the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda during her tenure as Chairman of the House Press Corps.
Rotimi affirmed the National Assembly’s support for media practitioners, noting the intense pressures journalists endure to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy. He welcomed the council’s remodeling project, describing it as the kind of bold vision that “must be so big it can only be achieved by the grace of God,” and pledged personal and institutional support.
Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam, also commended Ike’s leadership, describing her as a figure of “capacity, integrity, passion and commitment to service.” He said her performance affirmed why she was trusted with the Council’s mandate.
Salam described the groundbreaking of the new Secretariat as a milestone and encouraged the NUJ FCT to remain focused on excellence and inclusiveness. He pledged continued support while mobilizing other stakeholders.
FCDA Director of Public Buildings, Arc. Bature Garba, reaffirmed the strong partnership between the NUJ and agencies responsible for Abuja’s development. He emphasized that the success of the capital’s infrastructure reforms under the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, depends on accurate reportage and public enlightenment roles central to the NUJ’s mandate.
Garba assured the Council of FCDA’s technical guidance for the Secretariat remodeling, stressed that public structures must reflect architectural excellence, safety and functionality. He called for deeper collaboration between the media and city developers as Abuja grows into a globally competitive capital.
Other senior journalists, including Director of News, Sumner Sambo; Elder Timothy Elewere; Leadership Newspapers MD, Hajiya Miriam; and former NUJ chairmen, delivered goodwill messages and pledged support for the Council’s continued development.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the book “The Power of Her Voice” authored by Benjamin Ubiri, celebrating impactful women in journalism.
