By Queen Kunde
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has achieved a historic milestone under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, successfully facilitating free eye surgery for its former Chairman, Comrade Ndamadu Sule, at the prestigious Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja.
The surgery, performed on August 28, 2025, ended Sule’s seven-year battle with impaired vision, bringing him renewed hope and quality of life.
In an emotional response, Sule hailed the initiative as an act of compassion and true leadership. “By December 22, it would be seven years since my struggle began. I thank them for spending resources to help me. I remain deeply grateful to the NUJ-FCT Council for their support,” he said.
Overwhelmed with joy, the veteran journalist offered prayers for Chairman Grace Ike and her team, urging colleagues to rally behind her leadership. “She called me before the elections. I didn’t know her, but I prayed for her as a female leader. God answered those prayers. Her work in healthcare speaks for itself. I am thankful she became Chairman and is fulfilling her duties with humanity.”
In fulfillment of her campaign pledge to prioritize the welfare of journalists, Grace Ike’s executive has lined up more beneficiaries for similar interventions. Two other journalists—Mr. Nicholas Ngozichukwu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Mr. Kamoru Odunlami of ITV—have been scheduled for free eye surgeries at Nizamiye Hospital, following medical evaluations.
Others screened but deemed unfit for immediate surgery were provided with medication and follow-up care.
The initiative, hailed as the first of its kind in recent years, is part of a broader health-focused agenda by the NUJ-FCT Council in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, reflecting a renewed commitment to journalist welfare and a healthier media community in the capital.
