NUJ FCT Council Urge Women Unity to Drive Societal Transformation at IWD 2025.

By Raymond Enoch

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has joined the global celebration, recognizing the indomitable resilience, achievements, and contributions of women in various fields.

This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” serves as both a celebration of progress toward gender equality and a call to action, urging continued efforts to dismantle barriers and create lasting opportunities for women.

The women who have risen to leadership roles in journalism, governance, and other professional spheres serve as living proof that leadership is driven by vision, competence, and determination—qualities that transcend gender. Their relentless work has broken stereotypes and opened the doors to decision-making positions once considered out of reach.

The NUJ FCT Council acknowledges these strides and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment for female professionals.

A historic achievement in this ongoing journey is the election of Grace Ike as the first female Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council. After 41 years of male leadership, Ike’s election marks a groundbreaking moment for both journalism and leadership in Nigeria. Her success is more than a personal victory; it represents a shift in the landscape of leadership in Nigeria, proving that gender is no longer a limiting factor. Ike’s achievement serves as a beacon of hope and an inspiration to women across the country and beyond.

Reflecting on her success, Ike emphasized the importance of women supporting one another, especially in the political arena. “International Women’s Day should be more than symbolic. It must be a time for women to truly stand with each other—both publicly and privately,” Ike remarked. “We can no longer settle for lip service. When women abandon their fellow women in political contests, they betray the solidarity that is critical for our progress.”

Ike called for women to play more prominent roles in shaping the political landscape, not only as voters but also as leaders and change-makers. “Our collective power in politics is undeniable. Only by standing united can we bring about the transformation society desperately needs,” she urged.

For Ike, her success is an opportunity for reflection and self-assessment within the women’s movement. “We must purge ourselves of past mistakes, retrace our steps, and make amends,” she said. “This is a moment for women to genuinely support one another, especially in political spaces, where our collective strength is vital.”

Ike also made a heartfelt call to action, urging government leaders and Nigerians to invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality. “We must create more opportunities for women to step into leadership roles,” Ike stated. “The barriers of the past no longer define us. This milestone is a victory for every woman who has dared to challenge the status quo.”

The NUJ FCT Council’s dedication to gender inclusivity extends beyond rhetoric. The Council remains committed to empowering women in all sectors and ensuring they have the platforms and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to societal development. As more women continue to break into leadership positions, their impact is already evident in shaping policies, influencing narratives, and challenging outdated norms.

On this International Women’s Day, the NUJ FCT Council stands in firm solidarity with women worldwide, celebrating their achievements while advocating for a future where leadership is defined not by gender but by vision and ability. The Council’s call to action emphasizes the importance of continued support for women’s rights and the creation of pathways for women to step into leadership roles across all sectors.

While much work remains to be done, today represents a critical milestone—a celebration of the progress made and a renewed commitment to breaking down the barriers that have historically limited women’s potential. The momentum is building, and with it, a future where leadership truly knows no gender. The future is, indeed, female.