The House of Representatives has expressed its commitment to partner with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other key stakeholders to rebuild public trust and ensure that the needs and aspirations of citizens are reflected in governance.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the House spokesperson, Mr. Akin Rotimi, made this known during the one-year anniversary celebration of the Comrade Grace Ike–led Executive Council of the NUJ FCT Chapter, held alongside the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodelling of the Council Hall in Abuja.
Abbas described journalists as indispensable partners in democratic governance, stressing that the nation’s democratic health depends on the integrity, courage, and professionalism of the press.
While celebrating the Council’s four decades of service and the chaiman’s one year transformative impact on journalism, the Speaker recognised Comrade Grace Ike as a force who had elevated journalistic standards and strengthened the relationship between the media and national institutions.
He further called for the wellness of journalists to be prioritized, noting that they work late hours, and face safety risks, amid rising insecurity.
“Journalists often receive rewards far below their contribution. The pressure on journalists is disproportionate to the support they get,” he said, pledging continued efforts to ease their burden. He emphasized that journalistic work outlives the moment because “stories last forever.”
In her one-year performance review, Comrade Grace Ike outlined major reforms including enhanced professional training, the creation of press clubs in secondary schools, and annual capacity-building for information officers.
Comrade Ike noted that improving journalism skills is central to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. She also highlighted welfare-focused initiatives such as “medical outreaches, welfare interventions, the reviving of its football tournament and table tennis championship to boost camaraderie among journalists.”
The chairman further announced ongoing infrastructural development plans designed to benefit future generations and expressed gratitude to her EXCO members and council elders for their support.
The Director, Public Building of theFederal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Architect Bature Tagwai, who was represented by Architect Tobe Okwaraji, acknowledged the media’s vital role in nation-building, emphasizing that accurate information, responsible reportage, and meaningful public enlightenment were essential for sustaining ongoing national reforms.
Recognizing the press as a key partner, Tagwai noted the FCDA‘s longstanding support for the NUJ in the FCT, stressing that a well-informed public was the foundation of democratic governance.
“As part of this commitment, the FCDA has taken responsibility for completing the NUJ FCT Council complex in Utako, an ambitious project designed to provide journalists with a modern workspace, training hub, and press center. The Department of Public Building, has been central to this effort, offering technical expertise, professional oversight, and project facilitation to ensure facilities meant for the media meet the highest standards of safety, functionality, and architectural quality,” he explained.
In a goodwill message, Former NAWOJ President, Evelyn Onyilo, praised Grace Ike for transforming the union into a giver through impactful community outreach and for pioneering the first-ever housing scheme for union members in the FCT.
Similarly, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, applauded the unity within NUJ FCT, describing it as the driving force behind the council’s positive transformation and urged members to sustain their collective support.
The event, themed “One Voice, New Era,” was attended by notable personalities including the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Mr. Bamidele Salam; former NUJ FCT Chairman, Barrister Malachi Uzendu; and the Director of News at Arise TV, Mr. Sumner Sambo.
Highlight of the ceremony was the groundbreaking and foundation-laying for the new Council hall as well as the launching of a book, titled “The Power of Her Voice – Grace Ike: Media, Politics, and Strategic Publicity.”
