2025 IWD: AMA honours Grace Ike with Excellence in Journalism & Leadership Award

As part of this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, the Advanced Management Academy (AMA) has honoured Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, with the Excellence in Journalism and Leadership Award.

The International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 annually.

Grace Ike was not able to attend the event in person, but the award plaque was received on her behalf by Ebriku John Friday, the editor of the NUJ FCT online platform and a newly appointed member of the council’s executive team as Ex-officio 1.

The award ceremony took place in Abuja on Friday after a two-day conference hosted by AMA, themed “Accelerating Action for the Wellbeing of Women.” The event brought together women CEOs, professionals, lawmakers, wives of local government chairmen, school administrators, department heads, senior managers and other key figures from both public and private sectors.

Dr. Peter Oyeneye, the CEO and Coordinator of the AMA IWD Conference, spoke about why Grace Ike was chosen for the award. He said her consistent contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic and social development through journalism made her a standout candidate.

The award plaque

In his words, “The long years of outstanding service, performance at the national assembly, experience in journalism and interest in the welfare of the womenfolk and children.”

He also praised her leadership, saying, “Your enviable leadership qualities and commitment that led to your election as the first female Chairman of the NUJ in the Capital City of the world’s most populous black country.

“The rich and varied exposure which has made you an asset in journalism and a model for both the budding and professional journalists.”

He added that, “The inspiration which your achievement presents to the youths, young female adults and the womenfolk in general that success is possible through sheer determination and the grace of God.”

The event was attended by several notable guests, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who served as Chairman of the occasion. Others included HRH Oba Dr. Tayo Haastrup, Olumobi of Imobi Ijesa Land in Osun State, who was Father of the Day; Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); and Malam Muhammed Haruna Ibrahim, National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), who all played key roles during the conference.

The Advanced Management Academy (AMA) is a registered public relations, management and training consultancy based in Abuja.