Reps spokesman Rotimi, Rep Bamidele Salam, and others storm NUJ FCT as Grace Ike marks one year
by George Ozalla
The Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT Council on Thursday hosted prominent Nigerians including the spokesperson of the House of Representatives Akin Rotimi Jr, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts Bamidele Salam, the Managing Director of Arise News Bayo Awosemo, the Federal Capital Development Authority Director of Public Building Architect Bature Garba and Leadership Managing Editor Raliat Ahmed as Comrade Grace Ike marked one year of her stewardship as the first female chairman of the council.
The event, which held at the council secretariat in Abuja, combined the commemoration of Ike’s first year in office with the groundbreaking for the long-awaited remodelling of the NUJ FCT Congress Hall.
In her address, Ike reflected on the historic mandate given to her last year, noting that the union broke a forty-one-year pattern by electing its first female chairman, a development she described as a defining moment that ignited a new dawn for the council. She said the achievements recorded within the year told the story of a council that chose transformation over tradition, unity over division and progress over stagnation. She explained that her administration came into office with a clear mission to rebuild trust, revive spirits and reposition the NUJ FCT as a strong house of journalism.
She highlighted the council’s efforts to restore fellowship among members and stressed the administration’s investment in training, which she said reinforced the backbone of professionalism. She cited capacity-building programmes, the establishment of press clubs in secondary schools and targeted training for information officers. On welfare, she said journalists’ well-being remained a central priority, pointing to medical outreaches and responsive support interventions as proof of her belief that a journalist’s life is as important as the story they tell. She also celebrated the revival of the council’s sporting culture through football and table tennis tournaments that strengthened camaraderie among members.
Turning to infrastructure, Ike described the day’s groundbreaking as a decisive step toward transforming the council’s physical home. She said journalists deserved a conducive working environment that enhances pride and productivity, adding that the council was looking to stakeholders and policymakers to support the new vision. She assured members that while the first year focused on rebuilding, the next phase would pursue elevation as the council works to command respect across the country.
In a goodwill message, the House of Representatives spokesperson Akin Rotimi Jr praised Ike’s leadership and described her as an ambassador of the legislature, recalling her contribution to the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda during her tenure as Chair of the House Press Corps. Rotimi assured journalists of the National Assembly’s continued support and noted that the media remained indispensable to effective lawmaking and public trust. He spoke about the pressure journalists face, from racing deadlines to maintaining accuracy, and called for improved working conditions and better welfare support. He applauded the plans for the remodelled structure, describing the project as a bold and ambitious vision. He pledged a personal financial contribution and said the leadership of the House would also support the project. Rotimi commended Ike for demonstrating the capacity of women in leadership and predicted that she would be called to higher national service in the future.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts Bamidele Salam congratulated Ike on her first anniversary, describing her leadership as exemplary and transformative. He said she had demonstrated capacity, integrity, passion and commitment to service, noting that her achievements within a year had validated the confidence reposed in her by members of the council. Salam described the groundbreaking for the remodelling of the NUJ Secretariat as a major milestone toward improving the working environment for journalists. He urged the council’s leadership to remain focused on excellence, teamwork and inclusiveness, saying the true assessment of leadership comes at the end of its journey. He pledged continued support, both personally and institutionally, and promised to mobilise other stakeholders to contribute to the council’s development initiatives.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the FCDA Director of Public Building Architect Bature Garba emphasised the long-standing relationship between the NUJ and institutions responsible for Abuja’s development. He said the progress of the Federal Capital Territory relied on accurate information, responsible reportage and meaningful public enlightenment, roles central to the NUJ’s mandate. Garba recalled the FCDA’s past interventions in advancing the NUJ FCT Complex in Utako and reaffirmed his department’s readiness to provide technical guidance and professional oversight to ensure that facilities serving the media meet the highest standards. He described the ongoing reforms of the FCT Administration under the Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, in areas of infrastructure renewal, city maintenance and service delivery, and said the success of these reforms depended on accurate information and sustained public awareness. He emphasised that partnership between city developers and the media remained essential as Abuja continues to grow into a globally competitive capital. He congratulated the NUJ FCT leadership and urged continued commitment to a united and purposeful voice in the public interest.
The ceremony was attended by the Director of News Sumner Sambo, Elder Timothy Elewere, former council chairmen, Leadership Newspapers Managing Director Hajiya Miriam and other editors and stakeholders who pledged support for the advancement of journalism.
A major highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of a new book titled The Power of Her Voice written by Benjamin Ubiri.
