Ms. Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has made history by becoming the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, 43 years after its establishment.
Ike, along with four other executive members, was elected unopposed and sworn in on Wednesday in an election overseen by officials from the NUJ National Secretariat under tight security.
Other elected officials include Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (VON) as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary, and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as Treasurer. The new executives will lead the council for the next three years, while vacant positions will be filled through a by-election.
In her inauguration speech, Ike described her election as a “new dawn” for journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), pledging to initiate innovative projects aimed at improving members’ welfare. “With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman,” she said. “We shall chart a course toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.”
Ike also expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of women within the council and pledged to empower and inspire them further. She extended congratulations to the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, and assured him of the council’s support.
Adeiza Momohjimoh, NUJ Vice President, Zone D, presented certificates of return to the newly elected officials and commended Ike on her unopposed election, recognizing it as a testament to her leadership.
Grace Ike, who previously served as Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps and Vice Chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel, has had a distinguished career, including roles at Independent Television (ITV) and Silverbird Television.