By Ademola Adepoju
The grand finale of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council Press Week ended on a high note with a colourful and memorable party held at the NUJ Secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Yahaya Ndambabo, welcomed members on behalf of the Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, to the final programme of the 2025 Press Week.
He recounted the week’s activities, stating that the Press Week began with a Jumaat prayer at the mosque, followed by a medical outreach in partnership with one of the leading medical centres in the FCT — reflecting the Council’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of journalists.
The week also featured a symbolic “Walk for Press Freedom,” a public lecture held at the Transcorp Hilton, and a community service initiative which included the inauguration of press clubs in selected secondary schools across the FCT — a pilot project aimed at nurturing future journalists.
Ndambabo noted that the week-long series of events was in line with the Council’s campaign promises to run an inclusive administration where all journalists in the FCT feel the impact of leadership, either directly or indirectly.
“Our campaign slogan was ‘One Voice, New Era’. because we have spoken with one voice, indeed, we are experiencing a new era — one that prioritises capacity-building, welfare, and empowerment of journalists in the FCT,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and called for continued unity and support. “As you wine and dine tonight, remember that our mantra in this Council is ‘People First’. Your welfare remains our utmost priority.”
Attendees described the grand finale as one of the most remarkable celebrations in the history of the NUJ FCT.
Pauline Uzor and Ujunwa Okonkwo of Voice of Nigeria described the Press Week as “incredible,” noting they had never witnessed such a well-organised and impactful event in the history of the Council.
Veteran journalist, Mr Sunday Ayami, who has lived in Abuja since 1999, expressed his amazement at the scale and standard of the event.
“I’ve attended NUJ Press Weeks in various states, but this one stands out. The calibre of guests and the level of organisation were truly impressive,” he said, urging members to support Chairman ,Grace Ike while offering constructive criticism for the collective advancement of the Union.
Comrade Evelyn Onyilo, Chairman of the Press Week Planning Committee, applauded Grace Ike’s visionary leadership, noting her commendable achievements within just seven months in office. She also extended appreciation to her committee members for their commitment, unity, and teamwork that ensured the week’s success.
The celebration attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including former NUJ FCT Chairmen, veterans in the media industry, and representatives from Voice of Nigeria, Radio Nigeria, NTA, the Federal Ministry of Information, the FCDA, Leadership Newspaper, Blueprint, People’s Daily, and the Correspondents’ Chapel. Also present were chairpersons of all NUJ chapels across the FCT, including Otunba Tunde, Chairman of the APC Press Corps.
The night was electrified by musical entertainment from the prestigious Nigeria Police Band, and others artists across the country, adding rhythm and flair to an evening dedicated to celebrating journalism, unity, and professional excellence.
