…Breaks Ground for Remodeled Council Congress Hall
By Chidi Ugwu
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Thursday played host to high profile Nigerians including the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr, the Chairman House Committee on Public Account Hon Bamidele Salam, the Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awoseme, the FCDA Director Public Building Architect Bature Garba, Leadership Managing Editor Raliat Ahmed as Comrade Grace Ike marked one year of transformative leadership.
The ceremony, which combined the celebration of the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT’s first year in office and the groundbreaking of the long-awaited remodelling of the council’s secretariat in Abuja.
In her address, Ike reflected on the historic mandate given to her a year ago, saying the union “Broke a 41-year pattern” by electing its first female chairman—an action she described as a defining moment that “ignited a new dawn” for the Council.
She said the achievements being celebrated were “A story of a council that chose transformation over tradition, unity over division, and progress over stagnation,” adding that her team came into office with a clear mission “to rebuild trust, revive spirits, and reposition the NUJ FCT as a powerful house of journalism.”
Ike highlighted the council’s efforts to restore fellowship,emphasizing the administration’s investment in training, saying it “reinforced the backbone of professionalism” through capacity building, the establishment of press clubs in secondary schools and training for information officers.
On welfare, she said journalists’ well-being remained central to her administration, explaining that medical outreaches and responsive support interventions reaffirmed her belief that “a journalist’s life is as important as the story they tell.” She celebrated the revival of the council’s sporting culture through football and table tennis tournaments that united members beyond the newsroom.
Turning to infrastructure, Ike pointed to the day’s ground-breaking ceremony as a decisive step in transforming the council’s physical home. She stressed that journalists “deserve a conducive and well-equipped environment” that enhances pride and productivity, adding that the council was looking to stakeholders and policymakers to support the new vision.
“Our first year was rebuilding; the next will be elevation,” she assured members. “With your support, we will continue shaping a council that commands respect across Nigeria—a council where welfare thrives, professionalism blossoms and unity endures.”
In a goodwill message the House of Representatives Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi Junior praised Ike’s leadership, describing her as “our ambassador” and commending her contribution to the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda during her time as Chair of the House Press Corps.
Rotimi assured journalists of the National Assembly’s continued support, noting that the media is indispensable to effective lawmaking and public trust.
He reflected on the pressure journalists endure—from racing deadlines to ensuring accuracy—and called for improved working conditions and welfare support.
“I know the burden of responsibility you carry,” he said. “People only remember journalists when there are mistakes, yet the weight of nation-building sits heavily on your shoulders.”
He applauded the plans for the council’s remodeled structure, referring to it as the kind of ambitious vision that “must be so big it can only be achieved by the grace of God.”
He pledged a personal contribution and pledged that the leadership of the House will also do all they can to support the project.
Rotimi commended Ike for demonstrating that women excel when given opportunities, describing her as someone who “holds her own in very accomplished circles” and predicting she would be called to higher national service in the future.
Similarly, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Salam, congratulated Comrade Ike on her first anniversary in office, describing her leadership as exemplary and transformative.
He described Grace Ike as a leader with “capacity, integrity, passion and commitment to service,” noting that her achievements within one year had validated the trust reposed in her by members of the council.
According to him, “The true colour of service is not seen in gender, tribe or faith, but in the heart of the leader. In the last one year, we have all witnessed the capacity and dedication of the woman at the helm of affairs.”
Rep Bamidele Salam highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodelling of the NUJ Secretariat as a major milestone for a conducive environment for journalists to carry out their function
He encouraged the NUJ FCT leadership to remain focused on excellence, teamwork, and inclusiveness, stressing that the end of every leadership journey is what determines its true assessment. “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof,” he said, quoting scripture.
The lawmaker pledged continuous support—personal and institutional—for the council’s development initiatives, promising to mobilize other stakeholders to contribute as well.
Also in a goodwill message, the Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Arc. Bature T. Garba, emphasised the long-standing partnership between the NUJ and the institutions responsible for Abuja’s development.
He noted that the progress of the nation’s capital depends heavily on “Accurate information, responsible reportage and meaningful public enlightenment,” roles he described as central to the NUJ’s mandate.
Garba recalled the FCDA’s past intervention in advancing the NUJ FCT Council Complex in Utako and reaffirmed his department’s commitment to provide technical guidance and professional oversight to ensure that facilities serving the media meet the highest standards.
He added that as Abuja continues its transformation into a globally competitive city, collaboration between developers and the media becomes even more strategic.
He stressed the need for deeper collaboration between the media and city developers to advance the growth of the Federal Capital Territory.
Garba commended the leadership of the NUJ FCT under Comrade Grace Ike, noting that the anniversary presented an opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing synergy between media practitioners and agencies responsible for Abuja’s physical development.
He highlighted the ambitious reforms of the FCT Administration under the Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, in areas of infrastructure renewal, city maintenance and improved service delivery. According to him, the success of these reforms relies heavily on accurate information dissemination, responsible reportage and sustained public enlightenment — roles the media continues to play with “professionalism and patriotic commitment.”
He emphasised that ensuring safety, functionality and architectural excellence in public structures remains central to the department’s mandate.
“As Abuja grows into a more resilient and globally competitive capital city, partnership between the developers of the city and the media is even more crucial,” he said, adding that mutual respect, transparency and shared purpose are essential for achieving an orderly, progressive and inclusive FCT.
He congratulated the NUJ FCT Council and its leadership, urging them to continue championing a united voice in the public interest.
“Together, with collaboration and one vision, we can build a better Abuja for today and future generations,” he said.
The Director News Mr Sumner Sambo, Elder Timothy Elewere, Former Chairmen of Council, Leadership Newspapers MD Hajiya Miriam among other editors as well as stakeholders pledging support for a better journalism profession
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of a book “ The Power of Her Voice” authored by Benjamin Ubiri.
