NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Wins Beacon Of Education Award, Vows To Champion Children With Special Needs

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the Beacon of Education Award by Beautiful Beginning Academy in recognition of her outstanding commitment to educational excellence and unwavering support for youth development.

The award was presented during the academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony at Nile University, where the institution celebrated Ike’s contributions to improving the educational experiences of its pupils and pledged to continue promoting inclusive education.

Beautiful Beginning Academy said the recognition followed the pivotal role played by the NUJ FCT Council, under Ike’s leadership, in supporting the school’s successful participation in a national media quiz competition, where it emerged overall winner.

Presenting the award before an audience of parents, teachers, graduates and distinguished guests, the school’s Proprietor and Managing Director, Dr Mrs Rosemary Nasa Okolie, described Ike as a compassionate leader whose quiet acts of generosity have transformed the lives of many children without seeking public acclaim.

Dr Okolie recalled that, with only two weeks to prepare for the national competition, she reached out to the NUJ FCT Council for assistance and found an immediate ally in Comrade Ike.

According to her, the NUJ FCT Chairman went beyond offering moral support by providing welfare assistance, logistics and gifts that boosted the pupils’ confidence and morale throughout the competition.

She said the intervention played a significant role in the school’s eventual triumph.

“She came in and changed the narrative. There is nothing I can give her that equals what she has done for these children,” Dr Okolie said.

The academy described Ike as a beacon of compassion whose dedication to education has inspired both pupils and educators alike.

Receiving the award, an emotional Comrade Ike said she had not been informed that she would be honoured, describing the recognition as both a pleasant surprise and a renewed call to service.

Holding back tears, she dedicated the award to Ms Adaeze Tochukwu Taha Okeke, a student with special needs whose inspiring story deeply touched her during the graduation ceremony.

“I dedicate this award to Adaeze,” Ike said.

She pledged to use her position and influence as a journalist to amplify the voices of children living with special needs and advocate for greater inclusion in society.

“I will amplify their voices, tell their stories and continue to use journalism to draw attention to their needs so society can better support them,” she pledged.

Comrade Ike also commended Adaeze’s family for their unwavering love and commitment, describing them as an inspiration to other parents and caregivers.

The presentation of the Beacon of Education Award attracted a standing ovation from guests and emerged as one of the defining moments of the graduation ceremony, highlighting the impact of strategic partnerships between the media, educational institutions and the wider community in advancing quality and inclusive education in Nigeria.