The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Grace Ike, has renewed calls for deliberate and sustainable housing solutions for media professionals.
She urged the federal government and industry stakeholders to prioritise journalists whom she described as critical nation builders and guardians of public accountability.
Ike made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the Africa Housing Awards 2025, an end-of-year housing industry dinner and awards ceremony organised by the Housing Advocates Network in collaboration with Housing TV Show.
Addressing an audience that included the ninister of housing and urban development, the minister of finance, the minister of housing from Namibia, the managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and other key industry players, the NUJ FCT chairman commended the organisers for sustaining advocacy around affordable housing across Africa.
“I congratulate the organisers of this prestigious gathering of visionaries committed to sheltering Nigeria’s future,” Ike said.
“This platform continues to amplify critical conversations around housing, particularly affordable housing, which remains a pressing national challenge.”
She paid tribute to the host and Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Festus Adebayo, describing him as an indefatigable housing advocate whose support for journalism has helped amplify public interest issues.
“Through platforms like Housing TV Show, the concerns of journalists and ordinary Nigerians on housing have found visibility,” she said.
Ike also welcomed the Namibian delegation, noting that their presence highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in developing innovative and sustainable housing solutions across the continent.
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Shifting focus to the welfare of journalists, the NUJ FCT chairman appealed to the federal government and housing finance institutions to design tailored homeownership schemes for media professionals.
“Journalists shape public discourse and promote peace and accountability,” she said.
“Yet many who serve the nation tirelessly do not have stable homes. We appeal to institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank to see journalists not just as observers, but as partners in progress deserving of dignified housing.”
She disclosed that the NUJ FCT Council is rebranding its projects to strengthen engagement in housing advocacy and media empowerment, signalling readiness for deeper collaboration with government agencies and the private sector.
“NUJ FCT is repositioning its initiatives to drive greater impact,” Ike said.
“This renewed push opens the door for innovation, partnership and shared responsibility in advancing housing solutions for journalists.”
A major highlight of her remarks was a renewed call on the minister of housing and urban development to fulfil the long-standing promise of establishing a Journalists’ Village in the FCT.
“You promised the Journalists’ Village — a beacon of dignity for journalists who expose truths and strengthen our democracy,” she said.
“That promise ignited hope across newsrooms. Tonight, we make a passionate appeal that this dream should not be abandoned.”
Ike expressed optimism that with the support of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the project could be realised by 2026, providing journalists with stable homes and improved welfare.
“With institutional backing, this village can rise, giving journalists the peace of mind to focus on ethical reporting and nation-building,” she added.
She concluded by calling on journalists and stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that commitments made at policy and industry levels translate into tangible outcomes.
“Our pens build nations,” Ike said. “Let us unite to turn promises into structures. Together, we can roof Nigeria with progress.”
