…265 members contribute N5.01m to secure education, welfare of Osadebamwen’s three children
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and commitment to the welfare of its members and their families, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has raised and formally presented N5,010,000 to the family of its late former Chairman, Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, for the education and welfare of his three children.
The Trust Fund, raised through voluntary contributions by 265 members of the NUJ FCT Council, was formally presented to the family on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Abuja, at a solemn ceremony attended by members of the Council’s Executive, Chapel Chairmen and their executives, former and present leaders of the Union and other stakeholders.
The initiative followed the sudden death of the former Council Chairman, with the NUJ FCT Council mobilising members and well-meaning individuals to establish a dedicated fund to provide sustained support for the children he left behind.
The Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented at the ceremony by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, expressed deep sadness over the loss of the former Chairman while thanking God for the successful and peaceful interment of the late journalist and union leader.
In her opening remarks, the Chairman said the Council had remained steadfastly involved with the family since the tragedy occurred.
“Since the unfortunate passing of our former Chairman, the NUJ FCT Council has remained present and on ground. We have continued to mobilise our members and well-meaning stakeholders to support his children, and today, we are gathered to formally present the outcome of that collective effort.”
Comrade Ike disclosed that the N5.01 million was contributed by 265 members as of September 7, 2026, describing the gesture as a reflection of the strong bond of solidarity within the Union.
She stressed that the money was not a general donation but a dedicated Trust Fund strictly meant for the education and welfare of the three children.
“This fund is strictly for the education and welfare of these three children. Our responsibility does not end with raising the money; we must also ensure that it is properly administered and preserved for the purpose for which it was raised,” she said.
The Chairman further urged the family to ensure that the fund was administered transparently and responsibly, with the best interests of the children as the overriding consideration.
Presenting the dummy cheque on behalf of the Council Chairman, Vice Chairman Yahaya Ndambabo commended Madam Sarah Augustine, the younger sister of the late Chairman and representative of the family, for her commitment to the welfare of the children.
Ndambabo acknowledged the sacrifices she had made in caring for the children even while their parents were alive and urged her to continue providing them with the love, guidance and support they require following the previous loss of their mother, and now their father.
Responding on behalf of the family, Madam Augustine, speaking in an emotion-laden voice, expressed profound appreciation to the NUJ FCT Council leadership and members for standing firmly by the family since the death of the former Chairman.
“You did not abandon us when this tragedy happened. You stood by us, supported us and continued to show that these children are not alone. On behalf of the family, I sincerely appreciate the Chairman, the leadership and every member of the NUJ FCT Council.”
She disclosed that she had already received notification of the N5,010,000 payment into the designated account (Her account ), even as the formal presentation of the dummy cheque was taking place.
“Even as we are standing here for the formal presentation, I have already received the notification confirming the payment of N5,010,000. This is a huge responsibility, and I promise that we will continue to do our best to ensure that the fund is used for the education and welfare of the children, as intended,” she said.
The presentation marked another significant demonstration of the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to the welfare of its members and their families, reinforcing the principle that the bonds of unionism extend beyond the workplace and remain strong even in times of grief and loss.
The initiative also serves as a lasting tribute to the memory of Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, while providing a practical foundation for securing the future of the three children he left behind.