L-R: NUJ FCT Treasurer, Mrs. Sandra Chukwugekwu, AWALCO President, Mr. Innocent Odoh, NUJ FCT Chairman, Mrs. Grace Ike and AWALCO Financial Secretary, Mrs. Favour Olise during a recent visit to the FCT NUJ Secretariat
By Uloma Peace Okorie
The Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) has nominated the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, for an award slated for November.
The nomination was announced when the association’s executives, led by its President, Innocent Odoh, visited the NUJ FCT Council in Abuja.
Odoh said the decision was based on Ike’s achievements since taking over the leadership of the council, describing her emergence as the first woman to head the NUJ FCT Council as a major milestone.
He praised her courage, commitment and determination, saying the changes recorded under her leadership had not gone unnoticed.
“We are indeed very impressed and inspired. It takes somebody with this kind of courage and commitment, and someone who will take charge of things, and we are really seeing the change,” Odoh said.
He explained that AWALCO had considered a number of journalists and professional leaders who had made meaningful contributions to journalism and public service before settling on Ike for the recognition.
Odoh also pointed to her previous service as Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps as part of the qualities that made her deserving of the award.
According to him, AWALCO had planned the award ceremony last year as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament. However, the programme was postponed after the regional parliament announced plans for its own awards.
He said the association was also interested in building a stronger relationship with the NUJ FCT Council through seminars, workshops and conferences on democracy, good governance, development and legislative accountability.
Odoh stressed that journalists covering the legislature had a major responsibility to examine democratic processes and explain how laws and policies affect ordinary citizens.
He added that closer cooperation between AWALCO and the NUJ could help promote stronger understanding of democratic values across West Africa.
In her response, Ike thanked the association for the recognition, saying she was honoured by the nomination.
“I really don’t take this award for granted. I’m honoured,” she said.
She assured the delegation that the NUJ FCT Council was open to working with AWALCO on initiatives that would promote journalism, democracy and development.
Ike also reminded journalists of the need to maintain accuracy, fairness, balance and professional ethics in their reports, noting that the media remained an important pillar of society.
She encouraged journalists to look beyond routine assignments and report issues that could make a real difference in the lives of citizens.
The NUJ FCT chairman further highlighted journalists’ welfare as one of the priorities of her administration and called for greater attention to the wellbeing of media professionals.
She urged journalists to examine emerging democratic issues, including electoral reforms and proposals for direct primary elections, stressing that such matters deserved informed public discussion.
“Leadership is not easy. If you are a leader, you must do everything possible to leave a legacy behind,” Ike said.
She also encouraged younger journalists to remain committed to responsible journalism and to use their profession to influence society positively.
AWALCO Financial Secretary, Favour Olise, also commended Ike, particularly for her efforts to bring reputable organisations into partnership with the NUJ.
Olise urged the chairman to continue supporting and mentoring younger journalists in the profession.
“Younger ones not in age, younger ones in the Journalism profession, carry them along as you are already doing and keep doing the good works,” she said.
AWALCO said it was committed to strengthening its relationship with the NUJ FCT Council, particularly in promoting legislative journalism, democratic accountability, good governance and development in Nigeria and across the West African region.