By Chioma James
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has honoured some notable Nigerians among whom is the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and a former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura with the Media Personality of the Year Award 2025.
The prestigious award was presented at the grand finale of the NUJ FCT Press Week and Awards Ceremony held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with the theme,“Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.”
Delivering his remarks, Senator Al-Makura who was the Chairman of the occasion noted that he was in the media in his early days and so emphasized the indispensable role of a free, responsible, and well-supported press in sustaining democracy, transparency, and accountability.
“Journalism is more than reportage. It is the lifeblood of public accountability, the keeper of transparency, and the vessel through which democracy breathes,” he stated.
He proposed a National Agenda for Media Revitalization, highlighting key components such as:
Journalists Safety and Insurance Framework,
A Media Innovation & Sustainability Fund to support struggling media houses,
National Media Literacy Campaigns, and
The creation of a National Fact-Checking Alliance to combat disinformation.
“Let us institutionalize protection for media professionals, especially those in conflict zones or on investigative beats,” he added.
Senator Al-Makura acknowledged the threat posed by the evolution of Artificial intelligence in the society, noting that though it is remarkable, it has equally altered alot of things.
He also noted the continued contributions of the Nigerian press while recognising their calming presence amid the storm of uncertainty during the #EndSARS protests, COVID-19 pandemic and other national emergencies.
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen in his keynote address titled, “Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism without Rancour” stated that the National Assembly’s recent Open Week is an example of democratic participation and encouraged the media to strengthen collaborative fact-checking mechanisms to curb fake news.
The Speaker represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Hon.Patrick Um oh was honoured with the ‘Gender Advocacy and Leadership Award’.
“Fact-checking should be a coordinated effort between newsrooms, civil society, and relevant institutions,” he pointed.
He pledged that the 10th Senate is backing any initiative with enabling legislation or resolution that promote digital responsibility without infringing on the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, unveiled plans for a Journalism Village in Abuja as part of broader efforts to provide affordable housing for journalists.
Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who was decorated as the Patron of the NUJ FCT Council pledged continued support to the union’s development goals.
Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, in her welcome speech said the Press Week was not only a time to celebrate but also an opportunity for introspection and rededication to national development.
“In the past years we have witnessed extraordinary shifts in the global and local media landscape, advancement is in technology, the rise of Artificial intelligence, the deepening of social media influence, and unfortunately the persistent challenges of disinformation, censorship, economic pressures and threats to press freedom.
“In the face of these headwinds, you, our members have remained resilient, holding the line, telling the stories that matter, ensuring the public’s right to know. Today, we pause to reflect on that labour, on your sacrifices and on the many untold efforts behind every headline, broadcast or byline”, Ike stated.
She however noted that reflection must be followed by action and pledged that “as a Union, we must be more than spectators of change, but architects progress.
The event was graced by prominent personalities including Professor Mohammed Mainoma Akaro, former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Mr. Sunday Dare, Senior Special Assistant to the President, amongs other outstanding Nigerians.