FCT NUJ PRESS WEEK: SENATOR AL-MAKURA, SPEAKER ABBAS, OTHERS HONOURED BY NUJ FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

By: Niyi Lawal

The Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has been honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council for their contributions to national development.

Senator Al-Makura received the 2025 Media Personality Award, which was presented by NUJ Vice President (Zone D), Mr Momoh Adeiza, during the 2025 Press Week Lecture and Awards held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

The event, with the theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society,” was part of activities marking this year’s Press Week.

Speaking at the event as Chairman of the occasion, Senator Al-Makura – who is also a former Governor of Nasarawa State and one-time media professional said his experiences have helped him understand the vital role the media plays as a mirror of society and holding society accountable as its conscience.

His words: “Having served as a Governor, a lawmaker, and previously worked in the media, I understand the vital role the press plays—not just as society’s mirror but as its conscience. Journalism is more than reporting; it is essential for holding those in power accountable and keeping democracy alive.”

He stressed that democracy only makes sense when it protects lives, upholds rights, and promotes shared prosperity, which cannot be achieved without a free and responsible press.

To strengthen the media, Senator Al-Makura proposed some national priorities including a framework for Journalists’ safety and insurance, a media Innovation and Sustainability Fund, media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities, and a National Fact-Checking Alliance, to unite media organisations and civic-tech groups in the fight against fake news.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, delivered a paper titled “Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism without Rancour”.

While referencing the recent Open Week at the National Assembly where thousands of citizens, including journalists and civil society groups, engaged directly with lawmakers, he said it was a proud moment for democracy, adding that it showed the commitment of the lawmakers to open governance.

Speaker Abbas also called on the Nigerian media to work together to build strong fact-checking systems that include newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society organisations, and government institutions. This, he said, is key to fighting the dangers of fake news and misinformation.

Also speaking, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, announced the Federal Government plans to build more affordable houses, including a special Journalists’ Village in Abuja.

Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, was also recognised and decorated as Patron of the NUJ FCT Council and promised to continue supporting the NUJ in achieving its goals.

In her speech, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, said the Press Week was not just a time to celebrate but also to reflect and recommit to national progress.

“This is a moment to look at how far we’ve come and how much more we can do as journalists to support Nigeria’s growth,” she said.