~Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In the NUJ FCT Council story, leadership has long been shaped by men who, through dedication, have guided the council’s development and influence. While these contributions have laid important foundations, there’s now a compelling call to bring a female leader to the forefront.
Since its inception, the council has been a significant voice in Nigerian journalism, advocating for press freedom, journalists’ welfare, and responsible reporting. Each chairman has contributed uniquely, but one crucial perspective has been missing at the helm—a woman’s.
Women in journalism have steadily made strides, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the council. The call for a female chairman is not merely symbolic but essential in promoting inclusivity, equality, and the advancement of diverse perspectives.
Having a female chairman would send a strong message about gender balance in Nigerian journalism, encouraging young female journalists to see a place for themselves as reporters and leaders shaping policies and ethical standards. It would demonstrate a commitment to diversity, allowing for a fresh perspective on issues that impact both male and female journalists and society.
Furthermore, female leaders often bring a unique collaborative approach to problem-solving and policy advocacy. This style could strengthen the council’s community impact and drive new initiatives that are sensitive to the challenges faced by women in the field, from gender-based harassment to balancing family and career responsibilities.
With a strong legacy built by past leaders, the NUJ FCT Council stands at a pivotal point where embracing a female chairman could set a powerful precedent for the future.
This shift could enrich the council’s legacy by proving that diversity in leadership not only honours the past but also paves the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future for journalism in Nigeria.
Since the inception of the council in 1981, 16 different men have manned its affairs each of them coming with a different manly perspective.In the year 2018, a woman, Rafat Idris Salami, gave a shot at the Chairmanship position but she was never given the chance as all her efforts were thwarted by the men.
It is six years after, and the NUJ FCT Council is yearning for the motherly love which only a woman who knows what it means to love and care can bring. That’s why we all chose Grace Ike, who has the tenacity, contacts, charisma and technical know-how to manage the affairs of the union in the next three years.
This love and acceptance of her candidacy came to the fore, when she alongside her team, came to pick their nomination forms at the council yesterday. Supporters trooped out in their numbers, singing and dancing to show their support.
This support notwithstanding, there are still those bent on holding the union captive hence now is the time, we all rise up and take the bull by the horns, stand our grounds against the powers militating against our union so we can be the best we can. The year 2024 Grace O’clock let us support her.
Grace Ike is the plug!
