The NUJ FCT Council on Thursday turned a behive of activity as top parliamentarians, media executives and government officials converged to celebrate the first anniversary of its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and to perform the groundbreaking of the long-awaited remodeling of the council’s secretariat in Abuja.
House of Representatives spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr; Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam; Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo; FCDA Director of Public Buildings, Bature Garba; and senior editors from leading media houses were among dignitaries present.
Ike, who made history as the first female helmsman of the council in 41 years, described her one year in office as a season of bold reforms, unity and renewed professional standards within the FCT media community.
“Our journey is the story of a council that chose transformation over tradition, unity over division and progress over stagnation. Our first year was rebuilding; the next will be elevation,” she declared, noting investments in capacity building, press clubs in schools, welfare interventions and revival of sporting activities.
She said the remodeling of the secretariat marks a new era, stressing that journalists “deserve a conducive and well-equipped environment that enhances pride and productivity.”
Rep. Rotimi, in his goodwill message, hailed Ike as “our ambassador,” applauding her role in enriching the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda while serving as House Press Corps chair.
He urged improved welfare for journalists, noting the pressures they carry in keeping the nation informed.
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“People remember journalists only when there are errors, yet the weight of nation-building sits heavily on their shoulders,” he said, pledging personal and institutional support for the new council complex.
Also, Rep. Salam also praised Ike’s leadership, describing her tenure as impactful and proof that “the true colour of service is not seen in gender, tribe or faith, but in the heart of the leader.”
He applauded the remodeling initiative as a crucial step toward professional dignity and pledged to mobilize stakeholders to support its completion.
At the event, the FCDA’s Director of Public Buildings, Bature Garba, reaffirmed the authority’s partnership with the NUJ, emphasising that credible journalism remains key to Abuja’s development trajectory.
He highlighted the Wike-led FCT Administration reforms, noting that accurate reportage is essential in sustaining city renewal efforts.
“As Abuja grows into a resilient global capital, deeper collaboration between developers and the media becomes strategic,” he said.
Managing editors, former council chairmen and stakeholders present—including Leadership Managing Director, Hajiya Miriam, ARISE News Director of News, Sumner Sambo, and Elder Timothy Elewere—pledged continued support for the council’s rising profile.
A major highlight was the unveiling of the book: “The Power of Her Voice,” authored by Benjamin Ubiri, chronicling Ike’s leadership journey and the landmark shift her election represents in the nation’s media space.
With the foundation laid for a remodeled secretariat and new commitments secured, the NUJ FCT closed its anniversary on a note of renewed confidence, clear vision and a rallying call for the elevation of journalism in the capital.
