NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Honoured with Media Leadership Award, Urges Journalists to Prioritise Credibility

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the Media Leadership and Civic Engagement Award at the Emporium Lecture and Awards held to commemorate the organisation’s 10th anniversary.

The award recognised Ike’s contributions to media development, ethical journalism and civic engagement, as well as her leadership within the journalism profession.

Speaking during the event on Thursday, Ike congratulated the management, editorial team and staff of Emporium on reaching the milestone, describing a decade of consistent journalism as a remarkable achievement.

“Ten years of consistent and credible journalism is no small feat. It is a testament to resilience, vision and an unrelenting commitment to the values that define our profession,” she said.

The NUJ FCT chairman noted that the anniversary celebration reflected the organisation’s dedication to responsible journalism and public service.

Addressing the theme of the lecture, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” Ike stressed the need for journalists and media organisations to prioritise accuracy, ethics and public trust in an increasingly competitive digital environment.

She warned against sacrificing credibility for online traffic and engagement, insisting that public confidence in the media remains essential to democratic governance.

“In an era where the speed of information often outpaces its accuracy, credibility is non-negotiable. It is the foundation upon which democracy is built and sustained,” she stated.

Ike reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to supporting media organisations that uphold professionalism, accountability and truth in their reporting.

According to her, journalists must continue to play their role as watchdogs of society by holding public officials accountable, amplifying citizens’ voices and promoting stories that inspire positive change.

She urged media practitioners to see themselves as active partners in nation-building, adding that credible journalism remains critical to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering national development.

The NUJ chairman also said that recognising excellence in leadership and public service helps encourage higher standards and promotes good governance.

“By celebrating credible leadership, we encourage others to raise their standards and collectively expand the space for good governance, peace and development,” she said.

Reacting to the award, Ike described the recognition as both an honour and a challenge to continue serving the public with integrity, fairness and courage.

She congratulated other recipients honoured at the event and urged them to regard the recognition as a call to greater responsibility and service.

Ike concluded by wishing Emporium continued growth and success, expressing optimism that the organisation’s next decade would be marked by even greater achievements in journalism and public engagement.