Grace Ike, a journalist with Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN), has been elected as the chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the federal capital territory (FCT).
Ike, who was elected unopposed and sworn in on Wednesday, will lead the council as the first female chair.
Speaking during her inauguration, Ike said she would “reposition” the NUJ FCT council by initiating innovative projects.
“With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman of the NUJ FCT council. This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” she said.
“As we begin this journey together, let me start by congratulating the newly elected NUJ national president, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, his deputy, and other members of the national executive council on their well-deserved victory.
“Your emergence symbolises a new chapter and I pledge the unwavering support of the FCT council as we work collaboratively to strengthen the ideals of our profession.
“To the women of this council — those who stood by me with unwavering determination and strength throughout this journey — I offer my heartfelt appreciation.
“Your courage, resilience, and support were pivotal to this victory, and I am forever grateful. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower one another.
“As I assume this noble office, I am reminded of the words of John C. Maxwell: ‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way’.
“With these words as our guide, we shall chart a course toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.”
The council also elected other members into the executive committee — Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (vice-chairman), Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper (secretary), and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (treasurer).
The officials will lead the FCT chapter of the union for the next three years.
Ike was the immediate past chairperson of the house of representatives press corps and vice chair of the FCT correspondents chapel.
She has worked with Independent Television (ITV) and Silverbird Television.