In furtherance of its partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, the Managing Director of Bespoke Holdings Limited, Dr Christian Olatunji, on Tuesday visited the NUJ FCT Secretariat for an on-site assessment of the ultra-modern Congress Hall under construction. The visit took place on February 3, 2026.

The delegation was warmly received by the Council’s leadership, with the Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, and other executives. The leadership led the visitors on a tour of the Secretariat, focusing on the construction site.

After evaluating the project, Managing Director Olatunji noted the substantial work remaining and committed to immediate material support to accelerate progress. He further assured ongoing involvement, including technical assistance by deploying his company’s engineers to collaborate with the site’s building engineer.

“Houses are not built on paper, but on ground,” he stated. “I will delegate an engineer to the site to provide technical support because it is better to have more than one engineer on site, so they can work together with the Council’s engineer in any area of need that may arise.”

He added, “The project is a laudable one and we are happy to be part of it. Whatever we can do at this DPC level, we will do, and later we will provide more support.”

Earlier, the Council Chairman, represented by Vice Chairman Yahaya Ndambabo, appreciated the Managing Director of Bespoke Holdings for the show of love and support for the media. He described Dr Christian Olatunji not just as a real estate developer but a philanthropist who is truly out to support community development. He said the collaboration and provision of materials as well as technical support will go a long way in ensuring the speedy completion of the facility.

The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, has reaffirmed the committee’s strong partnership with the media, describing journalists as indispensable allies in nation-building and police accountability. Olaniyan made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, led by its Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, on a familiarisation visit to the PCRC National Secretariat.

The PCRC chairman described journalists and police officers as two groups that enjoy unrestricted access to him, stressing that their roles are critical to governance, transparency, and public enlightenment. He emphasized that the PCRC does not differentiate leadership roles by gender. According to him, competence and service, not gender, define leadership.

Olaniyan disclosed that since assuming office as National Chairman on November 27, the PCRC has made significant strides, including reclaiming land jointly owned by the PCRC, the Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Police Affairs, with plans underway to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers. He highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by the PCRC in support of the Nigeria Police, including scholarships programs for children of police officers.

Addressing gender inclusion, the PCRC National Chairman expressed concern over the neglect of retired female police officers in post-service appointments, despite their qualifications and experience. He observed that while many retired male police officers are routinely engaged as security advisers, consultants, and heads of security for government institutions and private organizations, their female counterparts are often overlooked.

“What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” he said, adding that merit, integrity, and experience—not gender—should determine opportunities within the security sector. Olaniyan stated that the neglect reflects a broader gender imbalance. “Many states readily appoint retired male officers as security advisers or heads of regional security outfits, while equally qualified female officers are rarely considered for similar roles, this trend sends a discouraging signal to serving female officers and undermines ongoing efforts to promote gender equity within the Nigeria Police and the wider security architecture.” he stressed.

Calling for deliberate advocacy, Olaniyan urged the NUJ FCT Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, to leverage her leadership position and media influence to bring sustained attention to the issue. He said the media has a critical role to play in reshaping public perception and policy by highlighting the contributions of female police officers and pushing for inclusive appointment practices.

On media ethics and security reporting, Olaniyan urged journalists to always verify facts and report issues involving the police with balance, warning against one-sided narratives that could undermine national institutions. He stressed that while the police are not perfect, they remain a critical pillar of national security and deserve fair and responsible coverage.

The PCRC chairman also pledged to facilitate strategic partnerships for the NUJ FCT Council, including engagements with prominent private sector stakeholders and philanthropists who support police welfare and national development. He assured the NUJ delegation of PCRC’s continued support, describing the relationship as a family bond.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, commended the PCRC National Chairman for his visible humanitarian efforts and described him as a “man of the people.” She stated that the visit marked the beginning of a stronger partnership. “The NUJ FCT, as the umbrella body for all media organizations in Abuja, we remain committed to objective, balanced, and responsible reporting. We also pledged to amplify PCRC activities across its network of over 700 journalists.” She stated.

Miss Ike emphasized that collaboration must be mutual, assuring the PCRC of sustained publicity and collective engagement. She highlighted key challenges facing journalists in the FCT, including the poor state of the NUJ Secretariat and the absence of a functional congress hall. She appealed for support in completing the long-abandoned building project and also called for collaboration on affordable housing for journalists.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has distributed over 600 bags of rice to its members as part of its annual Christmas welfare initiative. Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasized the gesture as a demonstration of the council’s commitment to journalists’ welfare amid current economic challenges.

The distribution in Abuja marks the second consecutive year of the initiative under Ike’s leadership, aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardships while fostering union unity. Speaking during the exercise, Comrade Ike described the gesture as extending beyond seasonal charity. “This gesture is more than a distribution; it is a heartfelt commitment to the welfare of every one of you who tirelessly upholds the pillars of truth, accountability and public service in the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.

She noted the initiative, which recorded significant impact during its maiden edition last year, has become a tradition. “These bags of rice represent not just sustenance for the festive table, but a symbol of our council’s unwavering support for you, our frontline warriors in the fourth estate,” Ike added.

Prior to the distribution, an end-of-year interactive session was held with the State Executive Council, comprising chapel chairmen and secretaries. Ike briefed attendees on the council’s progress, highlighting the ongoing construction and remodeling of the NUJ Congress Hall. Members of the National Executive Council (NEC) unanimously restated their confidence in Ike’s leadership, describing her administration as proactive, pragmatic, purposeful, and performance-driven.

The chairman called for sustained cooperation among members to further strengthen the council. She also reminded members of the essence of collective responsibility as journalists face professional and personal challenges. “We recognize the sacrifices you make daily, covering stories under pressure, advocating for press freedom and amplifying the voices of the voiceless. Your dedication inspires us, and it is our duty to stand by you, just as you stand for justice,” she said.

Ike expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners, and Executive Council members for their support in making the initiative possible. As members received their allocations, she urged them to embrace the season’s spirit. “Merry Christmas in advance, and may this season bring you peace, prosperity and renewed vigour for the year ahead. God bless you all, God bless NUJ FCT, and God bless Nigeria,” she concluded.

The initiative underscores the NUJ FCT Council’s continued focus on prioritizing journalists’ welfare while strengthening solidarity within the union during the festive season.