By EricJames Ochigbo
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms Grace Ike, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to improving welfare, professionalism and infrastructure for journalists in the territory.
Ike made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja during the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodeling of the council’s hall, an event that also marked her first anniversary in office.
She said her first year recorded significant progress, particularly in the areas of members’ welfare, capacity-building trainings and medical outreach aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of practitioners.
According to her, the second year of her administration will prioritise infrastructural development to create a more conducive environment for journalists, stressing that those who work daily to inform society deserve the best conditions.
“As we step into our second year, I make this promise: we will not lose momentum. If the first year was the rebuilding, the next will be the elevation.
“If the first year was the foundation, the next will be the masterpiece.
“With your support, we will continue to build a council that commands respect not only in Abuja but across Nigeria, one where welfare thrives, professionalism blossoms and unity endures,” she added.
Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC–Ekiti), commended Ike’s leadership for the strides recorded in just one year, describing journalism as central to nation-building.
He said the strong partnership between the House of Representatives and the media had helped improved public understanding of legislative work, noting that the House operated an open-door engagement structure.
Rotimi pledged support for the remodeling project, saying journalists deserved an enabling environment to carry out their demanding responsibilities.
Also speaking, Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP–Osun) described leadership as a call to service and urged the NUJ-FCT leadership to continue prioritising members’ welfare and the growth of the profession.
He also promised to mobilise additional support for the project.
Director of Public Buildings at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Bature Garba, said the authority remained committed to ensuring safe and functional public structures in the FCT.
He assured that work would continue on the NUJ-FCT Secretariat and other projects in the territory.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Arise News Television, said the past year had been purposeful for the council and expressed optimism that even greater achievements lied ahead.
Similarly, the Managing Editor of Leadership Newspapers, Ms Raliat Yusuf, applauded the council’s progress under Ike’s leadership.
She noted that Ike not only broke a four-decade jinx by becoming the council’s first female chairperson but had also set impressive standards, affirming the belief that “what men can do, women can do better.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)