NUJ FCT honours Al-Makura, Speaker Abbas, Arc Dangiwa, Hilliard Eta, others for outstanding contributions

For Nassarawa State Governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has been honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, for their exceptional contributions to national development.

Senator Al-Makura received the 2025 Media Personality Award, which was presented by NUJ Vice President (Zone D), Mr Momoh Adeiza, during the 2025 Press Week Lecture and Awards held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event, with the theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society”, was part of activities to mark this year’s Press Week.

Speaking at the event as Chairman of the occasion, Senator Al-Makura – who is also a former Governor of Nasarawa State and one-time media professional – said:

“Having served as a Governor, a lawmaker, and previously worked in the media, I understand the vital role the press plays—not just as society’s mirror but as its conscience. Journalism is more than reporting; it is essential for holding those in power accountable and keeping democracy alive.”

He stressed that democracy only makes sense when it protects lives, upholds rights, and promotes shared prosperity, which cannot be achieved without a free and responsible press.

To strengthen the media, Senator Al-Makura proposed the following national priorities:

A Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework: To ensure the safety and welfare of journalists, especially those covering dangerous or investigative assignments.

A Media Innovation and Sustainability Fund: To support the transition to digital platforms and help struggling media houses through funding and training.

Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities: To educate citizens, especially the youth, on how to understand and question media content.

A National Fact-Checking Alliance: To unite media organisations and civic-tech groups in the fight against fake news, especially as the 2027 elections approach.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, delivered a paper titled “Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism without Rancour”. He spoke about the recent Open Week at the National Assembly where thousands of citizens, including journalists and civil society groups, engaged directly with lawmakers.

“It was a proud moment for democracy and showed our commitment to open governance,” he said.

Speaker Abbas also called on the Nigerian media to work together to build strong fact-checking systems that include newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society organisations, and government institutions. This, he said, is key to fighting the dangers of fake news and misinformation.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also spoke at the event. He announced that the Federal Government plans to build more affordable houses, including a special Journalists’ Village in Abuja.

Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, was also recognised and decorated as Patron of the NUJ FCT Council. He promised to continue supporting the NUJ in achieving its goals.

The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Professor Mohammed Mainoma Akaro, former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University; Mr Yan Jin Xi, Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre; and Mr Sunday Dare, Senior Special Assistant to the President.

In her speech, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, said the Press Week was not just a time to celebrate but also to reflect and recommit to national progress.

“This is a moment to look at how far we’ve come and how much more we can do as journalists to support Nigeria’s growth,” she said.