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.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections Peter Obi, has described the girl-child is key to the future of our country. Empowering her with education, healthcare, and equal opportunities is not just a moral duty but an essential investment in development of Nigeria
Obi spoke in Kaduna when he participated in the Kaduna Girl-Child Conference/Award 2024, an initiative organized by the Creative Think Tank Group and Bounty Food Bank after his speaking engagement in Yola, Adamawa State.
Though he arrived late due to his previous commitment in Yola, Obi indicated that he was deeply inspired by the commitment shown to the girl-child’s rights and development.

“The girl-child is key to the future of our country. Empowering her with education, healthcare, and equal opportunities is not just a moral duty but an essential investment in our national growth,”
He emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers and creating safe spaces for girls to realize their full potential.

In addition, Obi visited the Womanhood College of Health Sciences and Technology in Kaduna, an institution dedicated to training women for careers in healthcare.
He donated ₦5 million in support of their efforts, promising to continue supporting institutions that play a crucial role in shaping future leaders.

Obi also disclosed his plans to visit Saint Gerard’s Nursing School, where he had previously donated ₦10 million.
Due to heavy traffic, he couldn’t attend in person but spoke with the management, expressing his apologies and offering an additional ₦5 million to further support the school’s mission.

Through these actions, Obi reinforced his belief that prioritizing education and healthcare is crucial for building a stronger Nigeria. “A new Nigeria is now very POssible,” he concluded.

***Millions of Nigerian Women to Live on Less Than $2.15 Per Day by 2030

With over 27,698 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) recorded between 2020 and 2023, the 100 Women Lobby Group National Hub has called for urgent action to address the alarming rise in violence against women, compounded by worsening economic conditions.
Speaking at an event marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, on a topic; Today’s economy and gender based Violence in Nigeria via Zoom over the weekend, Coordinator Felicia Onibon highlighted the critical need for comprehensive strategies to combat both violence and poverty.
“These figures are not just numbers; they represent the lives of women and girls who have suffered,” Onibon stated.
“Economic hardship has made many women more vulnerable to abuse, and we must act now to change this narrative.”

The event drew attention to the economic challenges facing Nigerian women, with current projections showing that millions will still live on less than $2.15 a day by 2030.
Onibon emphasized that poverty exacerbates women’s vulnerability to violence, noting that many are forced to prioritize their families’ needs over their own, often at great personal cost.
“Women are more food insecure than men, and the constant financial stress leaves them more susceptible to exploitation and abuse,” Onibon explained.

Onibon also criticized the inefficiency of Nigeria’s judicial system in handling GBV cases.
She pointed out that many cases languish in the courts for years, with a disturbingly low conviction rate.
“The lack of accountability within the justice system perpetuates a culture of impunity,” she said. “Survivors often remain silent, knowing that their chances of receiving justice are slim.”

The 100 Women Lobby Group urged policymakers, civil society organizations, and international partners to work together to address the intertwined issues of economic hardship and GBV.
Onibon called for increased investment in women’s economic empowerment and reforms to ensure swift justice for survivors.
“Ending GBV requires a multi-faceted approach,” she said.
“We need to address the root causes, from poverty to weak legal protections, and ensure that women have the resources to rebuild their lives.”

As the 16 Days of Activism continue, the 100 Women Lobby Group remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for systemic change. Onibon concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective action to ensure a future where women and girls are safe, empowered, and economically secure.
“Together, we can break the cycle of violence and poverty,” she said. “The time to act is now.”