The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has renewed calls for deliberate and sustainable housing solutions for media professionals, urging government and industry stakeholders to prioritise journalists as critical nation builders and guardians of public accountability.
Comrade Ike made the appeal while delivering a goodwill message at the Africa Housing Awards 2025, the housing industry’s end-of-year dinner and awards ceremony, organised by the Housing Advocates Network in collaboration with Housing TV Show.
Addressing an audience that included the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Minister of Finance, the Namibian Minister of Housing, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and other key industry leaders, the NUJ FCT Chairman commended the organisers for sustaining advocacy around affordable housing across Africa.
“I congratulate the organisers of this prestigious gathering of visionaries committed to sheltering Nigeria’s future,” Ike said. “This platform continues to amplify critical conversations on housing, particularly affordable housing, which remains a pressing national challenge.”
She paid tribute to the host and Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Barrister Festus Adebayo, describing him as an indefatigable housing advocate whose consistent support for journalism has helped amplify public-interest conversations.
Through platforms such as Housing TV Show, the concerns of journalists and ordinary Nigerians on housing have gained visibility,” she said, adding that the NUJ FCT Council values the partnership.
Comrade Ike also welcomed the Namibian delegation, noting that their presence underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in developing innovative and inclusive housing solutions across the continent.
Focusing on journalists’ welfare, the NUJ FCT Chairman appealed to the Federal Government and housing finance institutions to design tailored homeownership schemes for media professionals.
“Journalists shape public discourse, promote peace and strengthen accountability.Yet many who serve the nation tirelessly lack stable homes. We urge institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to recognise journalists as partners in progress deserving of dignified housing,”she said
She disclosed that the NUJ FCT Council is repositioning its programmes to deepen engagement in housing advocacy and media empowerment, signalling readiness for stronger collaboration with government agencies and the private sector.
A major highlight of her address was a renewed call on the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to fulfil the long-standing commitment to establish a Journalists’ Village in the FCT.
“The promise of a Journalists’ Village ignited hope across newsrooms,” Ike said. “We make a renewed appeal that this commitment should be translated into action.”
She expressed optimism that with the support of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the project could be realised by 2026, providing journalists with stable homes and the peace of mind to focus on ethical reporting and national development.
Concluding her remarks, Comrade Ike called for collective action to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.
“Our pens build nations,” she said. “By working together, we can turn promises into structures and advance progress through inclusive housing.”