By Ibraheem Hamza Muhammad
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Chairman of Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC) has been honored amongst other dignitaries for their outstanding national achievements.
He was honored with the Media Personality Award 2025 by the Nigeria Union of Journalist, FCT Council.
The award was presented by Chief Chris Isiguzo, President Congress of African Journalists CAJ at the NUJ, FCT press week held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel to mark 2025 Press week lecture and awards with the theme: Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura who is the former Governor of Nasarawa State and chairman of the occasion, said, “As a former Governor, a legislator, and before that, a media man myself, I have seen firsthand how the press functions not only as the mirror of society but as its conscience. Journalism is more than reportage, it is the lifeblood of public accountability, the keeper of transparency, and the vessel through which democracy breathes.At the heart of every democratic enterprise lies the well-being of the people.
“Democracy is only worthwhile if it safeguards lives, protects rights, and promotes collective prosperity. These aims cannot be realised without a responsible and unfettered press—free to question, free to probe, and free to tell the truth, even when it is inconvenient.” He said.
Senator Al-Makura propose the following national agenda for media revitalisation: A Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework: Let us institutionalise protection for media professionals, particularly those in conflict zones or on investigative beats.A Media Innovation & Sustainability Fund: Let both government and private sector stakeholders support digital transition, training, and sustainability for struggling yet essential news outlets.
The former broadcast journalist said, Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities: Empower citizens—especially our youth—to critically engage with media and resist manipulation.A National Fact-Checking Alliance: Foster non-partisan collaboration between media houses and civic-tech institutions to combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his speech, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, in his speech, title: Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism without rancour, said, “Just a few weeks ago, we held our annual Open Week, a civic engagement initiative where we threw open the gates of the National Assembly to the Nigerian public. Thousands of citizens participated in that event, youth groups, media professionals, civil society actors, women organisations, traditional rulers, and government agencies were all represented.
We created dedicated sessions for each demography to express their concerns, evaluate our work, and shape our legislative agenda. It was a proud moment of democracy in action, and it reaffirmed our belief in open governance and participatory lawmaking.
“In light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the deliberate spread of fake news particularly through digital and social media platforms, I urge the Nigerian media to strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks. These should not be isolated initiatives, but structured partnerships between major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions.” Said Speaker Abbas.
In his speech, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa said, the Federal Government has planned to have more affordable housing for the people, including Journalism Village in Abuja.
Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, chairman of National Youth Service Corp, (NYSC) who was decorated as Patron of NUJ FCT Council said he will continue supporting the council towards achieving successes.
The event was graced by former Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Professor Mohammed Mainoma Akaro, Director Chinese Cultural Center, Mr. Yan Jin Xi, SSA to the President, Mr. Sunday Dare, Chief Chris Isiguzo, President CJR amongst many dignitaries.
In her speech, The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has unveiled several key priority projects aimed at uplifting, supporting, and empowering journalists in the FCT. Speaking at the 2025 Press Week Grand Finale, the Chairman outlined initiatives designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of journalists.
Modernization of NUJ FCT Congress Hall
One of the priority projects is the modernization of the NUJ FCT Congress Hall, which will provide a dignified facility for training, dialogue, and events. The Chairman noted that this will be a strategic investment in the future of journalism.
Other Initiatives
Other initiatives include the procurement of a Union Coastal Bus to improve logistics and mobility for assignments and official engagements, the completion of the NUJ Pentagon Hall, and the establishment of a Journalists’ Welfare Scheme. The welfare scheme will address critical needs such as healthcare, emergency financial assistance, and social protection.
Journalists’ Village Development
The Chairman also announced the development of the NUJ Journalists’ Village, a long-awaited housing initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. The goal is to provide decent, affordable homes for journalists and their families in the nation’s capital.
Call to Action
The Chairman called on government stakeholders, media proprietors, partners, and friends of the union to join them in making these dreams a reality. He emphasized that these projects are not luxuries, but foundational investments in the future of journalism and the well-being of those who power it.
Appreciation
The Chairman extended his heartfelt appreciation to special guests, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Executive Governor of Niger State, and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, among others. He noted that their presence affirms that journalism is not alone in this journey and that they are partners in progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chairman reiterated the importance of journalism in shaping democracy, informing citizens, and preserving the values that bind society together. He called on journalists to recommit to the principles of truth, integrity, courage, and service, and to rise to meet the demands of a changing world.
