The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on key infrastructure development initiatives within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the proposed “Journalists’ Village.”
This assurance was given by the AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Obuah, during a courtesy visit by NUJ FCT Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, and members of her executive team to the AMMC headquarters on Tuesday.
Chief Obuah highlighted the vital role of the media in fostering public awareness and ensuring compliance with the Abuja master plan. “We must work together to educate the public and advance infrastructure in line with the vision for Abuja,” he said.
Although acknowledging current budgetary limitations, he encouraged the NUJ to submit formal requests for consideration in the next budget cycle. “Put your requests in writing. I will escalate them to the Honourable Minister and advocate for support. The media is essential in amplifying our efforts,” Obuah stated.
He also congratulated Ms. Ike on her emergence as the first female chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, commending her leadership and wishing her a successful tenure.
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In her remarks, Ms. Ike commended AMMC’s efforts in municipal service delivery and lauded Obuah’s commitment to workers’ welfare, which recently earned him the “Employee Advocate of the Year” award.
She outlined several challenges confronting the NUJ FCT Council, including the incomplete Pentagon building and the need for a larger congress hall. Most notably, she sought AMMC’s support for the establishment of a “Journalists’ Village”, a dedicated residential and professional hub for journalists in the FCT.
“We envision a space that provides affordable housing, a conducive work environment, and a centre for training and professional growth. With AMMC’s backing, we believe this project can become a reality,” Ike stated.
She also reaffirmed the union’s appreciation for AMMC’s ongoing support and expressed optimism for a strengthened partnership aimed at uplifting journalism in the Federal Capital Territory.
