NUJ FCT Councul Chair, Grace Ike Honoured with Excellence in Media Leadership & Advocacy Award.
By Raymond Enoch
It was a night of honour, symbolism, and renewed commitment to ethical journalism as the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, was decorated with the “Excellence in Media Leadership and Advocacy Award” by the School of Communications and Media Studies, Learn To Live Business School UK (LLBSUK).
The recognition came during the institution’s 2025 Post-Graduate Programme awards ceremony, a gathering that brought together media scholars, practitioners, and families of graduands from Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 in an ambience of celebration and professional fulfilment.
Among the proud graduands were Mrs. Funmilayo Evelyn Akintola, Gloria Ikiba, Arith, Yecenu Joyce Sasetu, and several others, who successfully completed the rigorous academic programme focused on modern communication practice, media strategy, and development-focused storytelling.
Presenting the award, former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Chairman of AFIA Television, Chief Emeka Mba, described Comrade Grace Ike as “a trailblazer in media leadership whose work continues to influence national discourse.”
He praised her years of consistent advocacy, mentorship, and defence of press freedom, noting that she has become “a reference point within Nigeria’s media landscape.”
According to him, the award was not just a plaque, but a statement about values and impact.
“This award recognizes Comrade Grace Ike as an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing the values of ethical journalism, free expression, and responsible media practice,”
he said.
Mba noted that at a time when misinformation, propaganda, and declining public trust pose serious challenges to the media, leaders like Ike—who continue to insist on standards and accountability—are vital to the survival of democracy and civic engagement
In her response, Comrade Grace Ike expressed profound appreciation for the honour, describing it as both “gratifying and humbling.”
She stressed that the recognition was a reminder to do even more for the profession and the country.
“I am delighted by this recognition from the School of Communications and Media Studies,”
she said,
adding that the award was “a call to deepen my contribution to media transformation and nation-building.”
She underscored the centrality of thoughtful and strategic communication to Nigeria’s development.
“Strategic communication remains central to every sphere of human endeavour and to our national development. We must continue to refine how we tell our stories and how we engage the public,”
Ike noted.
Reaffirming her commitment to responsible journalism, she pledged to keep championing narratives that rebuild public confidence in the media.
“I will do my best to inspire my people to tell stories that will shape public trust,”
she added, stressing that the media must remain “a credible bridge between the government, institutions, and the citizens.”
For many in the audience, her remarks reflected the very ideals for which she was being honoured: integrity, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of good .
While Ike’s award formed a major highlight, the ceremony was equally significant for dozens of graduands who are stepping into a rapidly evolving media and communications landscape.
Many of them expressed excitement at transitioning into higher professional roles, armed with specialised skills in communication strategy, media ethics, digital engagement, and development reporting.
LLBSUK’s School of Communications and Media Studies emphasised that the institution’s goal is to produce professionals who can shape narratives responsibly and contribute to stronger democratic and developmental outcomes across Africa and beyond.
For the graduands, the event symbolised both an achievement and a responsibility—to uphold the standards they were trained in and to use communication as a tool for social impact.
For Comrade Grace Ike, the Excellence in Media Leadership and Advocacy Award is yet another milestone in a career defined by public interest advocacy, resilience, and service to the journalism community.
As NUJ FCT Chair, she has been at the forefront of campaigns for better welfare for journalists, protection of media freedom, and improved safety conditions for reporters on the frontlines of conflict, politics, and social unrest.
Colleagues at the event described her recognition as “well deserved”, citing her reputation for standing firm on principles even when it is inconvenient. The award, they said, is an affirmation that consistent, value-driven leadership does not go unnoticed.
The ceremony rounded off with the presentation of certificates and awards to graduands, group photographs, and networking among academics, media professionals, and industry leaders.
Amid the handshakes and camera flashes, one message stood out clearly: at a time of global disruption and local tensions, credible media leadership and responsible storytelling are indispensable.
On a night that celebrated both rising talents and established leaders, Comrade Grace Ike’s honour served as a powerful reminder that when advocacy meets professionalism, the media can still be a force for national renewal.
