By Comfort Olayinka
In a landmark move to bolster infrastructure and improve media welfare in the nation’s capital, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has pledged to partner with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, on infrastructural development.
This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, and her executive team to the AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, on Tuesday.
Chief Obuah warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed his readiness to work with the NUJ to enhance public awareness and drive infrastructural compliance in line with the FCT master plan.
“I am indeed very happy to partner with the NUJ FCT. Together, we can support each other to educate the public and achieve our collective mandate of infrastructure development within the capital,” Obuah said.
While noting current financial constraints, the AMMC boss assured the union of future support. “Though we face budgetary limitations now, I promise to consider your needs in our next budget proposal. Present your official request, and I will personally advocate for it with the Honourable Minister of FCT,” he added.
Obuah also commended Ms. Ike on her historic emergence as the first female chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council and wished her a successful tenure.
In her remarks, Ms. Ike lauded Chief Obuah for his leadership and commitment to urban development and worker welfare, citing his recent recognition as “Employees’ Advocate of the Year.”
She appealed for AMMC’s support in addressing key infrastructural challenges facing the union, including the completion of the NUJ Pentagon Building and the construction of a hall to accommodate over 2,000 journalists.
Most notably, she advocated for the establishment of a “Journalists’ Village” in the FCT to provide affordable housing and a conducive professional environment for media practitioners.
“With AMMC’s collaboration, we believe this vision can be realized to enhance the welfare, productivity, and dignity of journalists who serve the public tirelessly,” she stated.
