May Day 2025 , Comrade Grace Ike NUJ FCT Council Calls for Press Freedom, Journalist of Welfare ,Others By Raymond Enoch
As economic uncertainty grows and democratic principles come under pressure, the Chairman NUJ FCT Council Comrade Grace Ike, has issued a resounding call for solidarity to defend press freedom.
In her powerful Workers’ Day address, she highlighted the increasingly perilous state of journalism in Nigeria and urged immediate action to protect the rights of media professionals.
Comrade Ike lauded the resilience and dedication of the nation’s workers, especially journalists. however, said that rising censorship, economic hardship and threats to media independence are undermining the vital role of journalists in fostering Nigeria’s democracy.
“Workers’ Day is not merely a celebration,” Ike asserted. “It is a clarion call to safeguard the civic space—a space where truth is defended, where every voice matters, and where democratic rights are protected.”
Drawing attention to this year’s global Workers’ Day theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” Ike underscored the deteriorating conditions for journalists. Harassment, unsafe working environments, and worsening pay are just a few of the immediate threats to press freedom. The challenges, she warned, not only endanger the welfare of journalists but also threaten the very foundation of free expression.
“Journalists must continue to speak truth to power,” Ike declared. “Now more than ever, we must amplify the voices of the vulnerable and resist any efforts to muzzle the press.”
Her words resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders, sparking a global conversation about the state of media freedom. Ike’s message struck a chord with journalists and media professionals where economic instability and political repression are silencing the press. She called for cooperation—urging governments, employers, and civil society to collectively invest in creating safer, fairer environments for journalists to do their work.
“Let us not allow these economic struggles to take away our rights or silence us,” Ike said. “Instead, let us unite in building a fairer world where media freedom is a cornerstone of progress.”
As the first woman to lead the NUJ FCT, Comrade Grace Ike has become a symbol of leadership and resilience in Nigeria’s media community. Her powerful call to action continues to inspire journalists across the country and beyond, amplifying the urgent need for global attention to the protection of press freedom.
In a world where democracy is increasingly at risk, Ike’s message is clear: the fight for press freedom is not just a national concern—it is a global imperative.
