By Comfort Olayinka
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has joined the global movement to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women in leadership across all sectors. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the progress made in gender equality and calls for continued efforts to break barriers and create more opportunities for women.
Women have long defied societal limitations, making waves in journalism, governance, and various professional fields, demonstrating that leadership is driven by competence, vision, and determination—qualities that transcend gender.
The NUJ FCT Council celebrates the increasing representation of women in decision-making roles and reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for female professionals.
A key highlight of this year’s celebration is the election of Grace Ike as the first female Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in 41 years. Her victory marks a significant milestone, underscoring the evolving role of women in journalism and leadership.
Ike’s triumph serves as an inspiration to women both within and beyond the media industry, sending a strong message that leadership is determined by vision and ability, not gender.
In her address, Grace Ike emphasized that International Women’s Day should be more than symbolic; it should be a time for women to genuinely support one another. Ike urged women to move beyond “lip service” and to resist the temptation to abandon their fellow women for personal or political gain. She said, “A woman who chooses to betray her own kind for personal gain or political advantage undermines the solidarity crucial for societal transformation.”
Ike also stressed the need for introspection and solidarity, especially in the political sphere, where women’s collective power is essential. She called on leaders, the federal government, and Nigerians to invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality, creating pathways for women to take up more leadership positions.
“The barriers of the past no longer define us. This milestone is not just mine; it belongs to every woman who dares to challenge the norm,” Ike declared.
The NUJ FCT Council is committed to supporting and empowering women to ensure they have access to platforms that allow them to contribute meaningfully to societal development. As women continue to take on leadership roles, their contributions are shaping policies, narratives, and progress in journalism, governance, and beyond.
On this International Women’s Day, the NUJ FCT Council stands in solidarity with women worldwide, celebrating their achievements and advocating for a future where leadership knows no gender.
