By Joy Omagha Idam
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 to hold in November.
The recognition was disclosed when the executive members of AWALCO, led by its President, Innocent Odoh, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ FCT Council in Abuja.
Odoh said the nomination was in recognition of Ike’s contributions to journalism and her leadership of the NUJ FCT Council.
He also described her emergence as the first woman to chair the NUJ FCT Council as a significant milestone, noting that the association had observed what it considered positive developments under her leadership.
“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.
According to him, the nomination followed consultations within AWALCO on journalists and professional leaders considered to have made notable contributions to journalism and public service.
He also cited Ike’s previous leadership of the House of Representatives Press Corps as part of her professional record.
Odoh explained that AWALCO had initially planned to hold the award ceremony the previous year to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament, but the event was subsequently postponed following the scheduling of an award ceremony by the Parliament.
Beyond the planned award, he said AWALCO was interested in strengthening its relationship with the NUJ FCT Council through joint seminars, workshops and conferences focusing on democracy, good governance, development and legislative accountability.
He described the legislature as an important institution in a democratic system and stressed the role of legislative correspondents in examining government policies, legislation and their implications for citizens.
Odoh said stronger cooperation between AWALCO and the NUJ could also contribute to greater public awareness of democratic and governance issues across West Africa.
Ike Welcomes Recognition
Responding, Ike welcomed the AWALCO delegation and expressed appreciation for the nomination.
“I really don’t take this award for granted. I’m honoured,” she said.
The NUJ FCT Chairman assured AWALCO of the council’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism, democracy and development.
She urged journalists to remain committed to accuracy, fairness, balance and professional ethics, stressing the important role of the media in society.
Ike also encouraged journalists to broaden their coverage beyond conventional beats and focus on issues capable of contributing positively to society and the wider West African region.
She identified journalists’ welfare as another important priority of her administration and called for greater attention to the professional and working conditions of media practitioners.
The NUJ FCT Chairman further urged AWALCO members to uphold transparency and accountability in their activities, while expressing the council’s willingness to provide publicity support for relevant initiatives and statements as part of the proposed partnership.
Call for Greater Focus on Democratic Issues
Ike challenged journalists to pay greater attention to emerging issues affecting democratic governance in West Africa, including electoral reforms and proposals such as direct primary elections.
She said such issues should be subjected to proper public scrutiny and professional reporting to enable citizens to better understand their implications.
The NUJ FCT Chairman also called on 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 professional excellence and to use journalism to positively influence society.
AWALCO Commends Ike
Also speaking, AWALCO Financial Secretary, Favour Olise, commended Ike’s leadership and encouraged her to continue supporting journalists at different stages of their careers.
“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 also commended efforts by the NUJ FCT leadership to attract partnerships with reputable organisations and encouraged Ike to sustain such initiatives.
AWALCO said it looked forward to deepening its partnership with the NUJ FCT Council, particularly in the areas of legislative journalism, democratic accountability, good governance and development in Nigeria and the wider West African region.