Grace Ike made history by being elected unopposed as the first woman to chair the Nigeria Union of Journalists , NUJ, FCT Chapter, on Wednesday, breaking a 43-year tradition of only male chair while representing Advocate Broadcasting Network , ADBN.

The election process, conducted by officials from the NUJ National Secretariat, was held under tight security, with a large turnout of journalists from media organizations and Chapels across the Federal Capital Territory , FCT.

She was swiftly sworn in on Wednesday, along with four other newly elected executive committee members: Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria , VON, as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary, and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria , FRCN, as Treasurer.

The newly inaugurated team will lead the NUJ FCT Council for the next three years, while vacant positions will be filled through a by-election. The oath of office was administered by Barr. Ehidiamen Isibor, under the supervision of the Credentials Committee, chaired by Mr. Henry Umoru.

In her inaugural address, Grace Ike described her election as the beginning of a “new dawn” for journalists in the nation’s capital. She emphasized her goal to revitalize the NUJ FCT Council with innovative projects that would directly benefit the welfare of its members.

“With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council,” Ike stated. “This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I sincerely thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.”

She continued, “As we begin this journey together, let me first congratulate the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, his Deputy, and other members of the National Executive Council on their well-deserved victory. Your emergence symbolizes a new chapter, and I pledge the unwavering support of the FCT Council as we work collaboratively to strengthen the ideals of our profession.”

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Ike also paid special tribute to the women who supported her throughout her campaign “To the women of this council those who stood by me with unwavering determination and strength throughout this journey I offer my heartfelt appreciation. Your courage, resilience, and support were pivotal to this victory, and I am forever grateful. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower one another.”

Drawing inspiration from leadership principles, she quoted John C. Maxwell “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Ike assured the audience that, guided by these words, the council would chart a course towards unity, progress, and excellence.

Adeiza Momohjimoh, Vice President of Zone D, who presented the certificates of return to the newly elected chairman, congratulated Grace Ike on her historic unopposed victory.

Grace Ike, who was previously the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps and Vice Chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has also worked in various roles at Independent Television , ITV and Silverbird Television.

Credible News.ng