It was a proud and emotional day on Saturday as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, received the “Excellence in Media Leadership and Advocacy Award.”
The award was presented by the School of Communications and Media Studies of the Learn To Live Business School UK (LLBSUK).
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The award ceremony was a major part of the school’s 2025 Post-Graduate Program graduation for Cohort 1 and Cohort 2.
The event was filled with joy and a sense of achievement. Media scholars, professionals, and families of the graduating students attended. Among the graduates were Funmilayo Evelyn Akintola, Gloria Ikiba, Arith, Yecenu Joyce Sasetu, and many others who completed the demanding programme.
While presenting the award, the former Director General of the NBC and Chairman of AFIA Television, Chief Emeka Mba, described Comrade Grace Ike as a pioneer in media leadership. He said her work continues to shape conversations in Nigeria.
He praised her for years of advocacy, mentorship, and strong defence of press freedom, saying she has become a well-known and respected figure in Nigerian journalism.
“This award recognizes Comrade Grace Ike as an outstanding leader who promotes ethical journalism, free expression, and responsible media practice,” he said.
In her response, Comrade Ike expressed deep appreciation for the honour. She said the award was both gratifying and humbling, adding that it motivates her to contribute even more to media development and nation-building.
“I am delighted by this recognition from the School of Communications and Media Studies,” she said.
“Strategic communication is important in every part of society and for national development. We must keep improving how we tell our stories and how we engage with the public.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to responsible journalism and promised to continue promoting stories that rebuild public trust in the media.
“I will do my best to inspire my colleagues to tell stories that strengthen public confidence,” she said, stressing that the media must remain a trusted link between the government, institutions, and citizens.
For Comrade Grace Ike, this award marks another achievement in a career full of advocacy, resilience, and leadership in Nigeria’s active media industry.
For the graduating students, the ceremony signaled the start of a new journey. Many said they were excited to take on new professional roles with fresh skills in communication strategy, media ethics, and development reporting—skills that LLBSUK aims to use to strengthen the media sector in the future.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and awards, group photos, and networking among academics and media professionals.
