Chairman of the FCT Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Grace Ike, has expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for its effort in providing affordable housing through the Renewed Hope Homes initiative.
She made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and the Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. She was accompanied by her executive committee and members of the Journalist Village Committee.
The delegation engaged the ministers in discussions aimed at enhancing the living condition of journalists in the FCT. Ike underscored the importance of recognising journalists as key partners in national progress, particularly regarding access to decent housing.
“We appreciate your achievements in leading the construction of over 50,000 new homes. This is a significant boost for the dream of affordable housing in Nigeria,” she stated.
She emphasised the need for sustainable collaboration between the ministry and media professionals, asserting that journalists should feel included in national development initiatives. She appealed for the completion of the NUJ Pentagon building and the construction of a multipurpose hall to accommodate over 2,000 journalists in the FCT.
In a statement signed by Towoju Raphael B., secretary of the Journalist Village Committee, Ike requested the ministers’ support in realising the vision of establishing a Journalists’ Village specifically for media professionals in the FCT. She also suggested that the minister and his team visit the NUJ Council Secretariat to explore areas of support for renovations and the construction of an additional secretariat to accommodate over 2,000 members.
Dangiwa welcomed the delegation and commended journalists for their essential role in bridging the gap between the government and the public. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to support the establishment of the Journalists’ Village, contingent upon the union securing an approved land for the project.
“We recognise the role journalists play in nation-building. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring they benefit from our housing programmes, including the Journalists’ Village project through cooperative housing,” Dangiwa stated.
The minister assured the NUJ FCT Council that affordable housing options would be available under the Renewed Hope Homes initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank, featuring a repayment plan of up to 30 years. He also pledged to visit the NUJ FCT Council to assess existing facilities for potential support.
Dangiwa called for strengthened partnership with the NUJ, particularly the FCT Council, to ensure the dissemination of positive narratives regarding government activities to the public.
