The House of Representatives Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi Junior, praised members of the media for their ongoing support of the government, emphasizing that the media is essential for effective lawmaking and maintaining public trust.
Reflecting on the challenges journalists face, from meeting deadlines to ensuring accuracy, he advocated for better working conditions and welfare support.
The lawmaker made this commendation at the groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited remodeling of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council secretariat in Abuja, an event that also celebrated the first female chairman of the council.
Rotimi assured journalists of the National Assembly’s continued backing, stating, “I know the burden of responsibility you carry; people only remember journalists when there are mistakes, yet the weight of nation-building sits heavily on your shoulders.”
He applauded the remodeling plans, referring to the ambitious vision as something so grand it requires divine assistance to achieve. He pledged a personal contribution and promised that the leadership of the House will also provide support for the project.
NUJ FCT Chairman’s Address
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT, Grace Ike, reflected on her mandate, noting that her election a year ago “broke a 41-year pattern” by installing the first female chairman.
Ike said the council chose transformation over tradition, unity over division, and progress over stagnation, and that her team took office with a clear objective to rebuild trust, revive spirits, and reposition the NUJ FCT as a powerful journalistic body.
She highlighted efforts to restore fellowship and the administration’s investment in training, which “reinforced the backbone of professionalism” through capacity building, establishing press clubs in secondary schools, and training information officers.
Ike stressed that the groundbreaking is a decisive step toward transforming the council’s physical headquarters, arguing that journalists deserve a conducive and well-equipped environment that boosts pride and productivity. She urged stakeholders and policymakers to support this new vision.
She assured members, “Our first year was rebuilding; the next will be elevation,” promising that with their support, the council will continue to command respect, where welfare thrives, professionalism blossoms, and unity endures.
Other Speakers
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, congratulated Comrade Ike on her first anniversary, remarking that the “true colour of service is not seen in gender, tribe, or faith, but in the heart of the leader.” He encouraged the NUJ FCT leadership to focus on excellence and inclusiveness, quoting scripture: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof,” to stress that the end of their leadership journey will determine its true assessment.
The Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Arc. Bature Garba, emphasized the long-standing partnership between the NUJ and the agencies responsible for Abuja’s development. He stated that the progress of the nation’s capital depends heavily on “accurate information, responsible reportage, and meaningful public enlightenment,” which are central to the NUJ’s work.
Garba recalled the FCDA’s past help in advancing the NUJ FCT Council Complex and reaffirmed his department’s commitment to offering technical guidance to ensure the media facilities meet high standards. He concluded that as Abuja grows, the partnership between the city’s developers and the media becomes even more crucial, necessitating mutual respect, transparency, and shared purpose for an orderly FCT.
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