The Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) has nominated the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, for an award scheduled for November, citing her leadership achievements and contributions to the journalism profession.
The association announced the nomination when its executives, led by President Innocent Odoh, paid a courtesy visit to Ike at the NUJ FCT Council in Abuja.
Odoh described Ike’s performance since assuming office as impressive, while her emergence as the first woman to chair the NUJ FCT Council, he said, represented a significant milestone for the union.
He commended her courage, commitment and leadership style, noting that the changes recorded under her administration had attracted the attention of the association.
“We are indeed very impressed and inspired. It takes somebody with this kind of courage and commitment, and someone who will take charge of things, and we are really seeing the change,” Odoh said.
He explained that Ike was selected following internal consultations on journalists and professional leaders whose contributions had made a significant impact on journalism and public service.
According to him, her previous leadership of the House of Representatives Press Corps, alongside her achievements at the FCT NUJ Council, placed her among those shortlisted for the recognition.
Odoh disclosed that AWALCO had initially planned the award ceremony last year to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament, but the event was postponed after the regional Parliament scheduled its own award ceremony.
He said the recognition was also part of AWALCO’s broader efforts to promote legislative journalism and strengthen its partnership with the NUJ FCT Council.
The association, he added, plans to collaborate with the council on seminars, workshops and conferences addressing democracy, good governance, development and legislative accountability.
Odoh described Parliament as the nucleus of democratic governance and stressed the important role of legislative correspondents in interrogating democratic principles and assessing how legislation translates into tangible development for citizens.
With West Africa’s population exceeding 400 million, he said stronger collaboration between AWALCO and the NUJ could help advance democratic and governance messages across ECOWAS member states.
Responding, Ike expressed appreciation for the nomination and assured AWALCO of the NUJ FCT Council’s readiness to partner with the association in initiatives aimed at advancing journalism, democracy and development.
“I really don’t take this award for granted. I’m honoured,” she said.
Ike urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical standards, stressing that the media remained a critical pillar of society.
She also challenged journalists to expand their coverage beyond traditional beats and focus on issues capable of generating positive change in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The NUJ FCT chairman identified journalists’ welfare as a major priority of her administration and urged AWALCO members to uphold transparency and accountability in their activities.
She pledged the council’s publicity support for credible initiatives and statements from the association as part of the proposed partnership.
Ike further urged journalists to interrogate emerging issues affecting democracy in West Africa, including electoral reforms and proposals such as direct primary elections.
She said issues capable of strengthening democratic governance should be thoroughly examined and brought to public attention.
The NUJ FCT chairman also challenged leaders in the journalism profession to build lasting legacies through responsible and diligent service.
“Leadership is not easy. If you are a leader, you must do everything possible to leave a legacy behind,” she said.
She encouraged younger journalists to remain committed to changing perceptions about leadership and public service by producing journalism that touches lives and contributes positively to society.
Also speaking, AWALCO Financial Secretary, Favour Olise, commended Ike’s leadership and urged her to continue mentoring and supporting younger journalists.
“Younger ones not in age, younger ones in the Journalism profession, carry them along as you are already doing and keep doing the good works,” Olise said.
She particularly praised Ike’s efforts to attract reputable organisations to partner with the NUJ, describing the development as beneficial to the image and growth of the journalism profession.
AWALCO said it looked forward to deepening its partnership with the NUJ FCT Council, particularly in promoting legislative journalism, democratic accountability, good governance and sustainable development across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
