…Reaffirms Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Advocates Press Freedom, Safety of Journalists
Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering an affordable housing estate for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, assuring that the long-anticipated “Journalists’ Village” will soon be actualised.
Speaking at the NUJ FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, Dangiwa said plans were already in motion through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Cooperative Housing Development initiative to secure land and commence construction of the estate.
“To the Chairman, NUJ FCT Chapter, I want to assure you once again of our commitment to our earlier discussions. I reaffirm that your dream of a Journalists’ Village will become a reality,” he said. “We will direct FMBN to provide the land and collaborate on the development.”
Dangiwa, who spoke on the theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society,” praised the critical role of the media in democratic governance and development. He urged journalists to continue holding government institutions accountable, especially in the housing sector.
“No one is better placed to tell the story of our housing and urban renewal programs than you—the journalists, editors, photographers, and producers who serve as the voice of the people,” he added.
He also called for stronger legal protections for journalists and sustainable funding models for independent media, noting the increased dangers faced by journalists in today’s digital age.
“Journalism has become more difficult, especially with the rise of online harassment and misinformation,” Dangiwa said. “But your work remains vital—because democracy depends not just on elections but on accurate, timely, and credible information.”
The Minister commended President Bola Tinubu for championing press freedom, transparency, and open dialogue, saying these values are embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This administration is not paying lip service to press freedom—it is policy, it is practice, and it is part of our national agenda,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, reiterated her administration’s commitment to the Journalists’ Village project, describing it as a top priority.
“Our goal is simple: to provide decent, affordable homes for journalists and their families in the heart of the nation’s capital,” she said.
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She added that the council is working with the Ministry of Housing and FMBN to fast-track the project, while also unveiling other initiatives, including the modernization of the NUJ Congress Hall, acquisition of a union bus, completion of the NUJ Pentagon Hall, and creation of a journalists’ welfare scheme.
“These are not luxuries but foundational investments in the future of journalism and the welfare of those who power it,” Ike emphasized, calling on stakeholders and media proprietors to support the union’s vision.
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