The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the Media Leadership and Civic Engagement Award at the Emporium Lecture and Awards held in Abuja on Thursday to mark the media organisation’s 10th anniversary.
Receiving the award, Ike described a decade of consistent and credible journalism as “no small feat,” saying it stands as a testament to resilience, vision and unrelenting commitment to the values that define the profession.
She congratulated the Publisher, editorial team and the entire Emporium family, noting their work has earned the celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” Ike sounded a note of caution about the dangers of speed over accuracy in the digital age.
“Credibility is non-negotiable. It is the foundation upon which democracy is built and sustained,” she said.
The NUJ Chair pledged the Council’s continued support for media houses that prioritises truth over traffic and accountability over applause, urging journalists to embrace their roles as partners in nation-building.
“We tell the stories of our society, we hold power to account, but we also have a duty to spotlight positive examples,” she said. “By celebrating credible leadership, we encourage others to raise their standards and collectively expand the space for good governance, peace, and development.”
Addressing award recipients, Ike struck a reflective note, describing the honour as both a reward and a responsibility. “Today’s recognition is both a reward for what you have done and a reminder that even greater service is expected of you,” she said, urging them to “wear their recognition as a responsibility.”
She closed with a charge to all journalists to lead with humility, fairness and courage, and wished Emporium a happy 10th anniversary, expressing confidence that the organisation’s next decade would be even greater.
