By Queen Kunde
The grand finale of the 2025 Press Week organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, brought the weeklong celebration to a glorious close with a vibrant evening of music, camaraderie, and reflection at the NUJ Secretariat in Abuja.
In a festive atmosphere filled with laughter, accolades, and inspiration, journalists and dignitaries gathered for what many described as the most outstanding Press Week celebration in the Council’s history.
Welcoming guests on behalf of the Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, Vice Chairman Yahaya Ndambabo recounted the highlights of the week, which included a Jumaat prayer, a medical outreach in partnership with a top FCT medical centre, a symbolic “Walk for Press Freedom,” and a widely acclaimed public lecture at Transcorp Hilton.
The Council also launched a pilot press club initiative in select FCT secondary schools ,a move hailed as a visionary step in grooming the next generation of journalists.
“This week has been a testament to our commitment to running an inclusive administration,” Ndambabo declared. “Our campaign slogan was ‘One Voice, New Era’. We’ve spoken with one voice, and indeed, a new era is here , one focused on capacity-building, empowerment, and putting people first.”
Attendees praised the event’s excellence and the leadership behind it. Veteran journalist Mr. Sunday Ayami, who has attended NUJ events across the country since 1999, said, “This Press Week stands out. The level of organisation and calibre of participation were top-tier. Grace Ike is truly setting a new standard.”
Chairman of the Press Week Planning Committee, Evelyn Onyilo, lauded Grace Ike’s leadership and the efforts of her team. “In just seven months, we are seeing transformative progress. The unity and hard work of the committee made this week a resounding success,” she said.
The night’s grandeur was heightened by the musical performance of the Nigeria Police Band, which kept the crowd on their feet with pulsating rhythms and national melodies.
Distinguished guests included former NUJ FCT Chairmen, veteran media professionals, and representatives from Voice of Nigeria, Radio Nigeria, NTA, the Federal Ministry of Information, FCDA, and major newspapers like Blueprint, Leadership, and People’s Daily. Chairpersons from all NUJ chapels in the FCT also graced the occasion, including Otunba Tunde of the APC Press Corps.
As the curtains fell on the 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week, the message was clear: a renewed era of unity, excellence, and journalist-focused leadership has begun.
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