The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has renewed calls for deliberate and sustainable housing solutions for media professionals, urging government and industry stakeholders to prioritise journalists who she described as “critical nation builders and guardians of public accountability.”
Comrade Ike made the appeal while delivering a goodwill message at the Africa Housing Awards 2025 – the housing industry end-of-year dinner and awards night, organised by the Housing Advocates Network in collaboration with Housing TV Show.
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Addressing an audience that included the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Housing from Namibia, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and key industry leaders, the NUJ FCT Chairman commended the organisers for sustaining advocacy around affordable housing across Africa.
“I congratulate the organisers of this prestigious gathering of visionaries committed to sheltering Nigeria’s future,” Ike said. “This platform continues to amplify critical conversations around housing, particularly affordable housing, which remains a pressing national challenge.”
She paid special tribute to the host and Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Barrister Festus Adebayo, describing him as “an indefatigable housing advocate whose unwavering support for journalism has amplified our voices on issues that matter.”
“Through platforms like Housing TV Show, the concerns of journalists and ordinary Nigerians on housing have found visibility,” she said. “NUJ FCT salutes your leadership and partnership.”
Comrade Ike also welcomed the delegation from Namibia, noting that their presence underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in developing innovative housing solutions across the continent.
Turning her focus to the welfare of journalists, the NUJ FCT Chairman made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government and housing finance institutions to support tailored homeownership schemes for media professionals.
“Journalists shape public discourse and promote peace and accountability,” she said. “Yet many who serve the nation tirelessly do not have stable homes. We appeal to institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank to see journalists not just as observers, but as partners in progress deserving of dignified housing.”
She disclosed that the NUJ FCT Council is rebranding its projects to deepen its engagement in housing advocacy and media empowerment, signalling readiness for stronger collaboration with government agencies and private sector players.
“NUJ FCT is repositioning its initiatives to drive greater impact,” Ike announced. “This renewed push opens the door for innovation, partnership and shared responsibility in advancing housing solutions for journalists.”
A key highlight of her address was a renewed call on the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to fulfil the long-standing promise of a Journalists’ Village in the FCT.
“You promised the Journalists’ Village, a beacon of dignity for journalists who expose truths and strengthen our democracy,” she said. “That promise ignited hope across newsrooms. Tonight, we make a passionate appeal that this dream should not be abandoned.”
She expressed optimism that with the backing of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the project could be realised by 2026.
“With institutional support, this village can rise, giving journalists stable homes and the peace of mind to focus on ethical reporting and nation-building,” Ike added.
Concluding her remarks, the NUJ FCT Chairman called on journalists and stakeholders alike to work collectively to translate commitments into concrete outcomes.
“Our pens build nations,” she said. “Let us unite with leaders and partners here tonight to turn promises into structures. Together, we can roof Nigeria with progress.”
