'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Ali M. Ali, has endorsed the growing call for women to take on leadership roles, expressing confidence in their ability to provide effective and efficient governance.
Alhaji Ali made this known on Monday when he received the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC) at the NAN Chapel in Abuja during their campaign tour. The visit was part of ongoing efforts by Comrade Grace Ike’s team to galvanize support ahead of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council election, scheduled for December 4, 2024, at the NUJ Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja.
Describing Grace Ike as a capable leader with an impressive track record, the NAN MD expressed optimism about her prospects in the upcoming election.
“I have heard a lot about Comrade Grace Ike’s capacity and achievements. I have no doubt that she will deliver outstanding leadership as the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council,” Alhaji Ali stated.
During the meeting, the Grace Ike Campaign Council presented campaign materials, including posters, brochures, and branded merchandise, to the NAN leadership, further solidifying their message of commitment and unity.
In a decisive show of support, the NAN Chapel publicly endorsed Comrade Grace Ike for Chairperson, along with other members of her team, including Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle as Secretary, and Comrade Sandra Udeike as Treasurer.
Speaking on behalf of the chapel, members pledged to mobilize and vote en masse for the Grace Ike-led team, emphasizing their belief in her vision and ability to bring positive change to the NUJ FCT Council.
Responding to the overwhelming support, Comrade Grace Ike expressed gratitude to the NAN Chapel for their confidence in her leadership.
“I am deeply humbled by your support. I promise not to let you down. Together with my team, we will work tirelessly to unite members and drive a new era of progress in the NUJ FCT Council,” she said.
The GICC team also distributed campaign materials during the visit, signaling their readiness to intensify their outreach as the election date approaches.
The endorsement from the NAN Chapel marks a significant boost for Comrade Grace Ike's campaign as she continues to build a coalition of supporters across media organizations in the Federal Capital Territory. With women’s leadership gaining prominence in various spheres, her candidacy represents a growing movement toward inclusive and transformative leadership within the journalism community.
The December 4 election is expected to be a walk over contest with stakeholders eagerly watching to see how the momentum behind Grace Ike and her team will translate post election.