By Ameh Gabriel
ABUJA — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has honoured prominent Nigerian leaders including former Nasarawa State Governor and ex-lawmaker, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; and NYSC Chairman, Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national development and media advancement.
The honours were conferred during the NUJ FCT 2025 Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, under the theme: “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.”
Senator Al-Makura received the prestigious 2025 Media Personality Award, presented by NUJ Vice President (Zone D), Mr. Momoh Adeiza. In his keynote address as Chairman of the occasion, Al-Makura himself a former media professional lauded the indispensable role of journalism in a democratic society.
“Having served as a Governor, a legislator, and a media man, I can affirm that journalism is not just a mirror to society it is its conscience. A free and responsible press is essential for democracy to thrive,” he stated.
The former governor proposed key national policy interventions to strengthen media practice in Nigeria, including:
A Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework to protect reporters, especially those covering high-risk assignments;
A Media Innovation and Sustainability Fund to support the digital transformation and resilience of media houses;
Media Literacy Campaigns in schools and communities to empower citizens, particularly the youth;
A National Fact-Checking Alliance to counter the growing threat of fake news, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who delivered a paper titled “Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism Without Rancour,” reflected on the success of the recent National Assembly Open Week, which allowed direct civic engagement with lawmakers.
“It was a milestone for open governance and citizen participation. The media must now strengthen fact-checking collaborations involving newsrooms, civil society, and government to combat misinformation,” Abbas said.
Housing Minister Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa disclosed government plans to develop more affordable housing, including a dedicated Journalists’ Village in Abuja, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to media welfare.
NYSC Chairman, Chief Hilliard Eta, who was decorated as Patron of NUJ FCT Council, pledged continued support for the press and emphasized the role of the youth in upholding press freedom and national unity.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including Prof. Mohammed Mainoma Akaro (former Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University), Mr. Yan Jin Xi (Director, Chinese Cultural Centre), and Mr. Sunday Dare (Senior Special Assistant to the President), among others.
In her remarks, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, described the Press Week as a time of sober reflection and renewed commitment.
“This is more than celebration it is a call to action. We must assess how far we’ve come and what more we must do to advance journalism in service of Nigeria’s progress,” she said.
