The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has sealed a strategic partnership with Bespoke Holdings, an indigenous oil and gas and diversified services company, to facilitate the completion of its Ultra-Modern Congress Hall in Abuja.
The partnership was formalised during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT leadership to the management of Bespoke Holdings, as part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaborations and improve welfare and professional infrastructure for journalists in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, described the Congress Hall as a landmark legacy project designed to provide a befitting venue for congresses, trainings, professional engagements and other major union activities.
“This Congress Hall is a critical legacy initiative for us. When completed, it will significantly enhance our operational capacity and serve as a hub for continuous professional development for journalists in the FCT,” Ike said.
She thanked Bespoke Holdings for its willingness to partner with the Council, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nation-building, corporate social responsibility and support for the media as a pillar of democracy.
“We truly appreciate Bespoke Holdings for opening its doors to us. This partnership shows a clear commitment to strengthening journalism and supporting democratic institutions,” she added.
Members of the NUJ delegation included Vice Chairman Yahaya Ndambabo; Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle; Treasurer Sandra Udeike; Auditor Rosemary Ukoko-Tega; Financial Secretary Henry Abimiku; Assistant Secretary Sharon Emephia; as well as Juliet Dangiwa and Elder Alfa Jacqdeen.
Responding, Managing Director of Bespoke Holdings, Dr. Christian Olatunji, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to support the completion of the Ultra-Modern Congress Hall, stressing the vital role of a strong and independent media in promoting transparency and accountability.
“Yes, we want to be part of what the NUJ is doing. Without journalists, I can only imagine what Nigerian politicians would have become,” Olatunji said.
“Even with journalists, things are still the way they are; now imagine if there were no journalists and everything was left to social media. There would be no accountability.”
He commended journalists for their courage in speaking truth to power, often at great personal risk, and pledged Bespoke Holdings’ openness to supporting the project after assessing the site.
“You are doing impressive work, and if there is any way we can be part of it, we are open to that. We may not know exactly what we can support until we send people there, or if I have the opportunity, I will personally come to the site. Once we see it, we will then know what we can support with,” he said.
Both parties also explored broader areas of collaboration, including media engagement, strategic communication and long-term partnerships of mutual benefit.
The NUJ FCT Ultra-Modern Congress Hall, upon completion, is expected to become a landmark facility for journalists in Abuja, symbolising unity, professionalism and progress within Nigeria’s media landscape.
