Jane Salihu
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 a special award scheduled for November, citing her leadership strides and contributions to the journalism profession.
The association announced the nomination when its executives, led by its President, Innocent Odoh, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ FCT Council Chairman in Abuja.
Odoh said Ike’s achievements since assuming office had impressed members of the association, particularly her emergence as the first woman to lead the NUJ FCT Council.
He described her leadership as courageous and impactful, saying the changes recorded under her watch informed the decision to recognise her.
“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 the nomination followed discussions within AWALCO on journalists and professional leaders who had made significant contributions to journalism and public service.
According to him, Ike’s previous leadership of the House of Representatives Press Corps also placed her among those considered 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 Parliament scheduled its own award ceremony.
He said the planned recognition was also part of AWALCO’s broader effort to deepen its relationship with the NUJ FCT Council and promote greater collaboration among legislative correspondents and journalists.
Odoh said the association was interested in working with the NUJ FCT Council to organise seminars, workshops and conferences on democracy, good governance, development and legislative accountability.
He described Parliament as the nucleus of democratic governance and stressed the responsibility of legislative correspondents to interrogate democratic principles and examine how legislation could translate into meaningful development for citizens.
With West Africa’s population exceeding 400 million, he said stronger collaboration between AWALCO and the NUJ could help promote democratic and governance issues across ECOWAS member states.
Responding, Ike expressed appreciation to the association for the recognition, describing the nomination as an honour and encouragement to do more.
“I really don’t take this award for granted. I’m honoured,” she said.
Ike assured AWALCO that the NUJ FCT Council was ready to partner with the association on initiatives that would advance journalism, democracy and development.
She urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical reporting, stressing that the media remained a critical pillar of society.
The NUJ FCT chairman also encouraged journalists to expand their coverage beyond traditional beats and focus on issues capable of positively affecting society and the wider West African region.
She identified journalists’ welfare as a major priority of her administration and urged AWALCO members to uphold accountability and transparency in their activities.
Ike said the NUJ FCT Council would also provide publicity support for credible initiatives and statements from AWALCO as part of the proposed partnership.
She challenged journalists to use their platforms to interrogate emerging issues affecting democracy in West Africa, including electoral reforms and proposals such as direct primary elections.
According to her, issues capable of strengthening democratic governance should be properly examined and brought to public attention.
The NUJ FCT chairman further urged professional leaders to focus on building lasting legacies through diligent and responsible service.
“Leadership is not easy. If you are a leader, you must do everything possible to leave a legacy behind,” she said.
She also encouraged younger journalists to remain committed to changing the narrative around leadership and public service by producing stories that touch lives and contribute positively to society.
Also speaking, AWALCO Financial Secretary, Favour Olise, commended Ike’s leadership and urged her to continue supporting and mentoring younger journalists.
Olise particularly praised Ike’s efforts to attract reputable organisations to partner with the NUJ FCT Council, describing the development as a positive contribution to the profession.
“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,” she said.
AWALCO said it looked forward to strengthening its partnership with the NUJ FCT Council, particularly in promoting legislative journalism, democratic accountability, good governance and development across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
