The Maiden Monthly Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,Nuj Fct council held on Saturday 25th January,2025 at the Council Secretariat,Utako.The attendance was unprecedented in the history of the council. as over 400 members including some former Chairman and Nawoj past and present leaders were in attendance.This confirm the fact that a NEW ERA has come and strongly too.
The congress was presided over by Comrade GRACE IKE the newly elected CHAIRMAN. The atmosphere was eclectic and clearly show that the Comrade lke factor is real and already over running her adversaries who refuse to accept that only CHANGE is constant in life. The GRACE factor is indeed a POSITIVE one that have come to stay.
As the first female to lead the council in the many years of establishment,it is obviously clear that Ike will be exemplary,honest,transparent and unassuming while setting a new standard of leadership style that has never been witness in the Fct Council.
The meeting hall sitting capacity was overstretched with many not able to find seat but endured standing just to register their presence and solidarity for the new exco.
Ike presided with all sense of humility,respect and dignity not talking down on her esteemed colleagues. What we have witnessed in recent past is leadership that arrogantly talked down on congressmen during each sitting as if the Council Chairmanship position is permanent. Hardly was there any respect for members to help dignify them. The situation was like emperor lording over his subjects which shouldn’t be so with professional colleagues.
Not minding that the former Exco have not yet given account of their six year stewardship,Comrade ike earnestly hit the ground running leading with humility while aggressively and silently achieving rare feat that many would ordinarily think is not possible.
While presiding over the Congress, she allowed member who indicated interest to contribute freely and meaningfully to issues that affect all members and Nigeria among which is the giant strides in infrastructural development being achieved by the FCT Minister,Barrister Nyesom Wike and the general state of the Nation.
The team leader is not just determine to succeed but also to ensure that members are satisfied with her conduct and leadership style which speaks volumes away from the past.
suffice to say that, there could still be a minute number who do not feel comfortable with her victory for reasons of not being able to embrace the wind of positive change, i urge this category to dignify themselves and sheat their sword to embrace the Grace factor that has come to stay.
Let us all join hands with the Grace led exco to move the Fct Nuj to greater height by each of us doing our beat.
Let us not be deterred by little envy, gossips, backbiting and behind the scene plots that will do the council no good on both the short and long run.
Comrade Ike in her opening remark after welcoming members to the maiden edition of the monthly Congress emphasize on the unity and prosperity of the Council. Hence it is important for all to embrace peace and harmony as the election is done and dusted until a few years ahead.She also pledged to uphold the dignity and welfare of members.
Therefore,the onus is on all to help the Nuj Fct to establish itself as the lead Journalists Council in Nigeria lead by a great team determined to be reckoned with.
Halima Jubril.