The Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) has commended the achievements of the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, and nominated her for an award scheduled for November.
The association announced the nomination when its executives, led by the president, Innocent Odoh, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ FCT Council Chairman in Abuja on Monday.
Odoh said Ike’s achievements since assuming leadership of the council had been impressive, describing her emergence as the first woman to take that position as a significant milestone.
He said her leadership had demonstrated courage, commitment and ability to take charge, adding that AWALCO was encouraged by the changes recorded under her leadership.
“We are indeed impressed and inspired. It takes somebody with this kind of courage, commitment, and someone who will take charge of things, and we are really seeing the change,” Odoh said.
He explained that Ike’s nomination followed discussions within the association on journalists and leaders who had made significant contributions to the profession and public service.
“Her achievements, including previous leadership of the House of Representatives Press Corps, placed her among those shortlisted for 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 proposed award was also part of AWALCO’s broader effort to promote awareness and strengthen collaboration with the NUJ FCT Council.
“The association intends to work with the council to organise seminars, workshops and conferences focused on democracy, good governance, development and legislative accountability.
“As the nucleus of a democratic system, legislative correspondents had an important role to play in interrogating democratic principles and examining how legislation could translate into development for citizens.
“With West Africa’s population exceeding 400 million, stronger collaboration between AWALCO and the NUJ could help spread important democratic and governance messages across ECOWAS member states,” he said.
Responding, Ike welcomed the AWALCO delegation and expressed appreciation for the recognition, assuring the association that the NUJ FCT Council was ready to partner with AWALCO in areas that would advance journalism, democracy and development.
“I really don’t take this award for granted. I’m honoured,” she said, urging journalists to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical reporting, stressing that the media remained a critical pillar of society.
She encouraged journalists to move beyond their traditional areas of coverage and report issues capable of positively affecting society and the wider West African region.
The NUJ FCT chairman also emphasised the importance of journalists’ welfare, describing it as a key priority of her leadership.
She urged AWALCO members to ensure accountability and transparency in their activities, saying that the NUJ would provide publicity support for initiatives and statements presented by the association as part of their proposed partnership.
Ike further 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.
“Leadership is not easy. If you are a leader, you must do everything possible to leave a legacy behind,” she said.
Also speaking on the nomination of the FCT NUJ Chairman, the Financial Secretary of AWALCO, Favour Olise, commended Ike’s leadership, urging her to continue 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,” 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.
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