The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has presented a N5,010,000 trust fund to the family of its late former Chairman, Patrick Osadebamwen, to support the education and welfare of his three children.
Key Highlights
- NUJ FCT Council presents N5.01 million trust fund to support the education and welfare of the three children of its late former Chairman, Patrick Osadebamwen.
- 265 NUJ members contributed to the fund, demonstrating solidarity within the council.
- The fund was formally presented on September 8, 2026, at a ceremony in Abuja.
- The money is strictly dedicated to education and welfare, rather than being treated as a general donation.
- NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike said the council has remained actively involved with the family since Osadebamwen’s death.
The fund, which was raised through voluntary contributions from 265 members of the council, was formally presented to the family on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at a ceremony in Abuja.
The event brought together members of the council’s executive, chapel chairmen and their executives, past and present leaders of the union, as well as other stakeholders.
The initiative was launched following the sudden death of Osadebamwen, with the FCT Council mobilising its members and other well-meaning individuals to provide sustained support for the children he left behind.
Representing the NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, at the ceremony, the Vice Chairman, Yahaya Ndambabo expressed grief over the loss of the former chairman and thanked God for the successful burial of the journalist and union leader.
In her remarks, Ike said the council has remained actively involved with the family since Osadebamwen’s death, noting that members have continued to rally support for his children.
“Since the unfortunate passing of our former chairman, the NUJ FCT Council has remained present and on ground. We have continued to mobilise our members and well-meaning stakeholders to support his children, and today, we are gathered to formally present the outcome of that collective effort,” she said.
The chairman disclosed that N5,010,000 had been raised by 265 members as of September 7, describing the contribution as evidence of the solidarity and collective responsibility within the union.
She clarified that the money was established as a dedicated trust fund and was not intended as a general donation.
“This fund is strictly for the education and welfare of these three children. Our responsibility does not end with raising the money; we must also ensure that it is properly administered and preserved for the purpose for which it was raised,” Ike said.
She also called on the family to ensure that the fund is managed transparently and responsibly, with the long-term interests of the children taking priority.
During the presentation, Ndambabo commended Madam Sarah Augustine, the late chairman’s younger sister and representative of the family, for her commitment to the children.
He acknowledged the sacrifices Augustine had made in caring for the children while their parents were still alive and urged her to continue providing the children with the guidance, care and support they need following the loss of their mother and subsequently their father.
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Responding on behalf of the family, Augustine thanked the NUJ FCT leadership and members for their continued support since Osadebamwen’s death.
“You did not abandon us when this tragedy happened. You stood by us, supported us and continued to show that these children are not alone.
“On behalf of the family, I sincerely appreciate the Chairman, the leadership and every member of the NUJ FCT Council,” she said.
Augustine further revealed that the N5,010,000 has already been transferred into the designated account before the formal cheque presentation.
“Even as we are standing here for the formal presentation, I have already received the notification confirming the payment of N5,010,000.
“This is a huge responsibility, and I promise that we will continue to do our best to ensure that the fund is used for the education and welfare of the children, as intended,” she said.
The gesture represents another expression of solidarity by the NUJ FCT Council, extending the union’s responsibility beyond professional matters to the welfare of members’ families during periods of bereavement.
It also serves as a tribute to Osadebamwen’s memory while establishing financial support aimed at helping secure the future of his three children.
