Grace Ike prioritises NUJ structural advancement as FCTA Chapel stakeholders pay New Year homage

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to prioritising structural development and infrastructural upgrades at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, located at No. 4, Ekukinam Street, Utako, Abuja, as a key focus for 2026.

Comrade Ike made this known on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, while receiving a delegation of critical stakeholders from the FCTA Chapel of the Union, who paid her a New Year homage at her office.

While appreciating the stakeholders for the surprise visit, which she described as a thoughtful gesture in recognition of her administration’s efforts, the NUJ Chairman called on members of the Council to prepare for the financial commitments associated with upgrading the Union’s infrastructure.

According to her, the proposed structural improvements are essential to repositioning the Council and enhancing its operational efficiency.

Speaking on the significance of the visit, Comrade Ike expressed gratitude to the delegation, noting that her leadership philosophy is anchored on selfless service and impact-driven unionism.

“I was raised to give without keeping records. However, it is deeply touching to see that our modest efforts are being noticed and appreciated. This reinforces our resolve to do more,” she said.

She further emphasised that welfarism remains a core pillar of her administration, stressing that the Union would continue to adopt a gradual but consistent approach to improving members’ welfare.

“Last year, we distributed 10kg of rice, and we agreed there was no need to stagnate at that level. By taking incremental steps, we have now been able to provide 25kg of rice at this critical time,” she added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the FCTA Chapel, Comrade Ngozi Ufomba, said the visit was to appreciate the NUJ FCT Council leadership for its positive and tangible impact on members’ welfare and overall well-being.

Comrade Ufomba commended the Council administration for meeting the expectations of members and wished Comrade Ike and her Executive Council a successful and productive 2026.

Also speaking, a former Chairman of the Credentials Committee during the 2021 NAWOJ Election in the FCT and Deputy Director of Information, FCTA, Comrade Josie Mudasiru, said the visit was a demonstration of the Chapel’s genuine appreciation and solidarity with the Council Chairman and her Executive.

Comrade Mudasiru, who also serves as Spokesperson of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, noted that the delegation deliberately chose to express gratitude for Comrade Ike’s consistent and inclusive approach to leadership and her sustained outreach to members of the Union.

In her remarks, the initiator of the visit and a former member of the Council’s Credentials Committee, Comrade Sarah Udogbo, said the initiative was inspired by biblical principles of gratitude and encouragement.
Quoting Luke 5:1–4, she explained that the group was motivated to “launch out” in appreciation of the Chairman’s leadership and commitment to service.

Similarly, a former Assistant Secretary of the Council and current member of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Comrade Emmanuel Tortiv, commended the Grace Ike administration for running an inclusive and stabilising leadership.

Comrade Tortiv, who is also the Team Lead, Corporate Communications at the Abuja Enterprise Agency, noted that several former critics of the administration have since become supporters, having acknowledged the Chairman’s leadership capacity and performance.

“After the turbulence that marked your emergence, the environment is now stabilised, and the path is clear for greater achievements,” he said, while praying for a year of merit, expanded accomplishments, and renewed grace for the Council leadership.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a New Year hamper to the NUJ FCT Council Chairman.

Comrade Grace Ike was accompanied by her Vice Chairman, Comrade Ndambabo Yahaya. Members of the visiting delegation included the FCTA Chapel Chairman, Comrade Ngozi Ufomba; Comrade Josie Mudasiru; a former Chapel Chairman, Comrade Kalu Emetu; Comrade Sarah Udogbo; Comrade Emmanuel Tortiv; Comrade Winnie Tanu; Comrade Obiageli Eze; and Comrade Nneka Enereulor.