Ms. Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has made history by becoming the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, 43 years after its establishment.
Grace was elected and sworn in on Wednesday alongside four other executive members:
Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo (Voice of Nigeria) as Vice Chairman
Comrade Jide Oyekunle (Independent Newspaper) as Secretary
Sandra Udeike (Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria) as Treasurer
The unopposed election was conducted by officials from the NUJ National Secretariat under tight security, with a large turnout of journalists from various media organizations and chapels in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The newly elected executives will oversee the council’s activities for the next three years, while the vacant positions will be filled through a by-election.
The oath of office was administered by Barr. Ehidiamen Isibor in the presence of the Credentials Committee, chaired by Mr. Henry Umoru.
In her inaugural speech, Grace described her election as a “new dawn” for journalists in the nation’s capital, pledging to reposition the council through innovative projects aimed at improving members’ welfare.
“With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council. This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” she said.
She also congratulated the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, and his team, pledging the FCT Council’s support in strengthening journalistic ideals.
Grace extended special gratitude to the women of the council for their unwavering support: “Your courage, resilience, and strength were pivotal to this victory. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower one another.”
Quoting John C. Maxwell, she emphasized her leadership vision: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. With these words as our guide, we shall chart a course toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.”
In celebrating a trailblazing Career, Adeiza Momohjimoh, Vice President of Zone D, presented the certificate of return to Grace, commending her unopposed victory.
Grace Ike, the immediate past Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps and former Vice Chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel, has had an illustrious career. She has served in various capacities at Independent Television (ITV) and Silverbird Television, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and leadership.
Her election is a milestone, not just for the NUJ FCT Council but for women in journalism, marking the beginning of an inclusive and progressive era.
