By Stanley Onyekwere
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council yesterday honoured former Nasarawa Governor, and Chairman of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen,
along with other persons for their outstanding national achievements.
Al-Makura was honored with the 2025 Media Personality Award by FCT Council of the Union.
The award was presented by the National Vice President, Zone D of NUJ, Mr. Momoh Adeiza at the NUJ-FCT Press week held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel to mark 2025 Press week lecture and awards with the theme: “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.
SAl-Makura who was chairman of the occasion, said, “As a former Governor, a legislator, and before that, a media man myself, I have seen firsthand how the press functions not only as the mirror of society but as its conscience.
“ Journalism is more than reportage, it is the lifeblood of public accountability, the keeper of transparency, and the vessel through which democracy breathes.At the heart of every democratic enterprise lies the well-being of the people.
“Democracy is only worthwhile if it safeguards lives, protects rights, and promotes collective prosperity.
“ These aims cannot be realised without a responsible and unfettered press—free to question, free to probe, and free to tell the truth, even when it is inconvenient.”
He also proposed the following national agenda for media revitalisation: A Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework.
“Let us institutionalise protection for media professionals, particularly those in conflict zones or on investigative beats.A Media Innovation & Sustainability Fund.
“ Let both government and private sector stakeholders support digital transition, training, and sustainability for struggling yet essential news outlets”, he stated.
Equally, the former broadcast journalist adds: “Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities: Empower citizens—especially our youth—to critically engage with media and resist manipulation.A National Fact-Checking Alliance: Foster non-partisan collaboration between media houses and civic-tech institutions to combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.”
In his speech, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the belief in open governance and participatory lawmaking.
“In light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the deliberate spread of fake news particularly through digital and social media platforms, I urge the Nigerian media to strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks.
“These should not be isolated initiatives, but structured partnerships between major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions”, he stated.
Also, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa said, the Federal Government has planned to have more affordable housing for the people, including Journalism Village in Abuja.
On his part, Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, chairman of National Youth Service Corp, (NYSC), who was decorated as Patron of NUJ FCT Council promised to continue supporting the council towards achieving successes.
Earlier in her remark, Chairlady of NUJ Council, Comrade Grace Ike described the Press Week as more than a celebration, but a time to take stock and work hard towards national development.
The event was graced by former Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Professor Mohammed Mainoma Akaro, Director Chinese Cultural Center, Mr. Yan Jin Xi, SSA to the President, Mr. Sunday Dare amongst many dignitaries.
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