2026 NUJ FCT Awards, Recognising Excellence In Journalism
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
Concerns over misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections dominated discussions in Abuja on Tuesday as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, held its 2026 Lecture and Awards Ceremony.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, also honoured journalists and media professionals for excellence, professionalism and ethical reporting as part of activities marking the council’s 2026 Press Week themed, “2027 Election: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Age of Disinformation.”
The gathering brought together journalists, editors, government officials and civil society groups to examine the growing spread of misinformation and the role of the media in protecting democratic values ahead of the 2027 elections.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago chaired the occasion, while former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje served as co-chairman. Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, delivered the keynote lecture on the role of the media in safeguarding democracy in the digital age.
Several journalists and media practitioners received awards in recognition of their contributions to journalism and commitment to responsible reporting.
Those honoured included Comrade Grace Ike, Uloma Okorie, Victor Chibuike, Livinus Henry Umoru, Philip Nyam and Alhaji Yusuf Ali of The Nation newspaper, alongside other distinguished media professionals and public figures.
Speaking at the event, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, called for improved welfare, safety and institutional support for journalists amid the challenges confronting the profession.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, balanced reporting and fact-checking as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.
Activities lined up for the 2026 Press Week included a medical outreach, mental health walk, secondary school quiz competition and a closing social gathering at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.