AWALCO Nominates NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike For November Award
Recognition is coming for Grace Ike barely a year into her tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, with the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) nominating her for an award in November.
AWALCO President, Innocent Odoh, announced the nomination when the association’s executive visited the NUJ FCT Council in Abuja.
Odoh said Ike’s emergence as the first woman to lead the FCT council, coupled with her record in office and previous leadership of the House of Representatives Press Corps, earned her a place among those shortlisted for the award.
He described her leadership as courageous and committed, saying the association had been impressed by changes recorded under her watch.
AWALCO said the award was initially planned to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament but was postponed after the Parliament scheduled its own award ceremony.
The association also proposed deeper collaboration with the NUJ FCT Council through seminars, workshops and conferences on democracy, good governance, development and legislative accountability.
Responding, Ike thanked AWALCO for the recognition and pledged the council’s support for initiatives that promote journalism, democracy and development.
“I really don’t take this award for granted. I’m honoured,” she said.
She urged journalists to maintain accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical reporting, while expanding their coverage to issues that can affect lives and strengthen democratic governance across West Africa.
Ike also identified journalists’ welfare as a priority of her administration and called on media practitioners to examine emerging democratic issues, including electoral reforms and proposals for direct primary elections.
“Leadership is not easy. If you are a leader, you must do everything possible to leave a legacy behind,” she said.
AWALCO Financial Secretary, Favour Olise, also praised Ike’s leadership and urged her to continue mentoring younger journalists.
The association said it looked forward to working with the NUJ FCT Council to advance legislative journalism, democratic accountability and good governance in Nigeria and across West Africa.
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