By Fatima Saka
Abuja — The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with a leadership award at the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Award 2026, where she also called on media practitioners to prioritise credibility over speed and sensationalism.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Ike stressed that responsible journalism remains central to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly in an era dominated by digital media and rapid information dissemination.
The lecture, themed “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” highlighted growing concerns over misinformation and declining public trust in the media.
Ike warned that the race to break news first has increasingly undermined accuracy, noting that “in an age where anyone with a smartphone can call themselves a journalist, the discipline to be right must not be sacrificed for the desire to be first.”
She emphasised that credibility is the bedrock of journalism and a critical pillar for democratic governance.
“When the media loses credibility, the people lose a compass, and a nation without a credible press is a nation navigating in the dark,” she said.
The NUJ chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to upholding professional standards, describing the council as not just a trade union but a guardian of journalistic ethics.
“We will continue to stand with media organisations that choose truth over traffic, accountability over applause, and public interest over personal gain,” Ike stated.
She also called on government institutions, corporate bodies, and civil society organisations to support credible media platforms through partnerships, advertising, and funding for investigative journalism.
“A healthy media ecosystem is not a luxury but a democratic necessity,” she added.
Ike, who was recognised for her leadership and contributions to journalism, dedicated the award to members of the NUJ and media practitioners committed to professionalism and ethical reporting.
She commended the Publisher and Founder of Emporium Reporters and Emporium Magazine for sustaining the platform over the past decade, describing the milestone as a testament to resilience, vision, and commitment to truth.
“Ten years of consistent, credible journalism is no small feat. It is an act of faith in journalism and in the Nigerian people,” she said.
She congratulated the organisation on its 10th anniversary and lauded its contribution to promoting responsible journalism in Nigeria.
Addressing other award recipients, Ike described their recognition as both an honour and a responsibility to uphold higher standards of integrity and professionalism.
She also charged young journalists to protect the sanctity of the profession, urging them to build their credibility diligently.
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“Do not cheapen this profession or sell it. Your reputation, once lost, is the hardest thing to recover,” she cautioned.
The event drew media professionals, stakeholders, and emerging journalists, reinforcing ongoing conversations about the role of digital media in shaping public trust and democratic development in Nigeria.
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