Grace Ike (first left), Jide Oyekunle, (2nd right) and other members of Exco during the swearing in 


*...assures journalists of revolutionizing FCT NUJ council 


*....healthcare, welfare, capacity building, accountability, face-lift of Council secretariat tops priority


Comrade Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN), former chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps has been elected first female Chairman of NUJ FCT Council. 

Ike, the  immediate past  Vice-Chairman of NUJ FCT Correspondents' Chapel,  polled a total of 445 affirmative votes to emerge as Chairman of the council.


Grace Ike displaying her Certificate of Return. On her right is the NUJ National President, Alhaji Alhassan Abdullahi 

This is just as the first elected female and sworn-in 17th Chairman of the NUJ FCT, Ike, Wednesday, assured journalists of working with them and her team to revolutionize the affairs of the Council.


NUJ President, Alhaji Alhassan  Abdullahi 
 congratulating Comrade Grace Ike, NUJ FCT Council chairman 

Ike made the declaration  in her inaugural speech at the Council Secretariat in Abuja, where she expressed her gratitude and appreciation to her supporters who dedicated their time, and money  to enable scale all hurdles.


Meanwhile, she acknowledged and hailed the recently elected National Executive of NUJ at the just concluded 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference, in Owerri, Imo State, where Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi  was elected NUJ National President, along with his Deputy, and the entire Central Working Committee , which she described as well-deserved victory, saying their  emergence "signifies a fresh chapter for our union at the national level", and pledged support of the FCT Council and to work collaboratively to strengthen and uphold the ideals of the noble profession.


She said: "As I assume this noble office, I am guided by the timeless words of John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” With this wisdom, we will navigate a path toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.


A Vision for Progress; Welfare

The welfare of our members remains a cornerstone of this administration. From affordable health insurance schemes to empowerment initiatives, every member will feel the positive impact of our leadership.


Training and Capacity Building

Continuous learning is vital for professional growth. To this end, we will facilitate opportunities for both local and international training programs. As a flagship initiative, we will sponsor 20 members for the 2024/2025 Postgraduate Program at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) with a 50% subsidy—just the beginning of our capacity-building plans.


Infrastructure and Sporting Activities Transforming our press center into a world-class facility will be a priority. Additionally, we will promote wellness and camaraderie through regular sporting activities, fostering a healthy body and a sound mind.


Committees for Success

We will establish dedicated committees with clear mandates and measurable deliverables to drive our collective aspirations.


Media Enhancement Bill

In collaboration with the NUJ National Secretariat, we will actively advocate for the passage of the Media Enhancement Bill to safeguard and elevate journalism as a profession.


Inclusivity and Transparency

Inclusivity and transparency will form the bedrock of this administration. Every voice will be heard, and our financial records will remain open, ensuring accountability and trust.


Empowerment and Recognition

We will introduce a Creative Writing Workshop Endowment in early 2025 to nurture creativity and innovation among our members, further empowering them to excel.


AGMs and Financial Prudence

We will institutionalize Annual General Meetings (AGMs) as a platform for reflection, evaluation, and redirection, ensuring fiscal discipline and operational efficiency.


Journalists’ Village and Professional Integrity

Realizing the dream of a journalists’ village will be a hallmark of this administration. Simultaneously, we will uphold the integrity of our union by addressing the challenge of quackery, preserving the honor of our profession."


However, the newly inaugurated FCT NUJ boss, called for action and appealed to members of the Council to work together and come up with useful ideas that would move the Council forward.


A Call for Unity: As I take on this responsibility, I call on every member of the NUJ FCT Council to join hands with us. This administration is not about me; it belongs to all of us. 


"Let us unite as one body with one vision. As the African proverb aptly states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”


"Today, I pledge my total commitment to you and to the ideals of this union. Together, we will build a legacy of professionalism, progress, and pride—a union that will stand as a beacon for generations to come."


She added, "the  road ahead may be challenging, but with unity, determination, and faith, it will be rewarding.


"Thank you for this opportunity to serve. Let us forge ahead together into this new era of transformation."