House of Representatives Backs Nigeria’s Journalists, Commences NUJ FCT Secretariat Renovation.
House of Representatives Backs Nigeria’s Journalists, Commences NUJ FCT Secretariat Renovation.
The House of Representatives has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s journalists as the FCT Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) begins a major renovation of its secretariat in Abuja. The groundbreaking ceremony coincided with the celebration of the election of the union’s first female chairman, Grace Ike, marking a historic milestone after 41 years.
Akin Rotimi Junior, the House Spokesperson, praised the media for its vital role in nation-building and acknowledged the pressures faced by journalists, from tight deadlines to ensuring accuracy. He emphasized the importance of improving working conditions and welfare support for journalists, acknowledging their indispensable contribution to effective governance and public trust. Rotimi assured the NUJ of continued support from the National Assembly, pledging a personal contribution and promising that legislative leaders would back the project.
Chairman Ike reflected on her historic election, emphasizing her team’s focus on transformation, unity, and progress. She outlined efforts to rebuild trust within the union, enhance professionalism through capacity-building, and foster youth engagement via press clubs in secondary schools. She highlighted the importance of providing journalists with a conducive, well-equipped workspace, emphasizing that the renovation is a crucial step toward achieving this goal. Ike appealed to stakeholders and policymakers to support the union’s vision for a modern, respected, and united NUJ FCT Council.
Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, congratulated Ike on her first anniversary in leadership, urging her to prioritize excellence and teamwork. He underscored that true leadership is defined by service from the heart. Additionally, Arc. Bature Garba of the FCDA reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the NUJ and Abuja’s development authorities. He stressed that responsible journalism is central to the city’s growth and assured ongoing technical support to ensure the council’s facilities meet high standards. Overall, the event underscored the government’s recognition of the media’s crucial role and its commitment to strengthening the union’s infrastructure.
