Abuja: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has inaugurated Press Clubs in two secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its 2025 Press Week activities. This initiative is designed to mentor students, ignite their interest in journalism, and encourage them to consider it as a future career.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the beneficiary schools are Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA), Apo, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki. The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, who led the inauguration, emphasized the importance of inspiring students early on to develop journalistic skills and uphold media ethics. She mentioned that mentorship is crucial, and the initiative aims to encourage healthy competition, discover talents in writing and broadcasting, and shape responsible future leaders.
Ike highlighted that the program would train students, raise awareness about press freedom, and educate them on journalism in a digital age characterized by misinformation and fake news. She noted that starting with one private and one public school was a promising beginning, with plans to expand the program across FCT schools. She urged NUJ members to support the initiative, envisioning a future where journalism serves as a force for good.
Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ndambabo Yahaya, described the clubs as platforms for instilling responsible journalism, civic engagement, and leadership. He pointed out that school press clubs have historically produced some of Nigeria's finest journalists and public intellectuals. Yahaya expressed that the initiative would promote media literacy, foster leadership, and sharpen students' writing, speaking, and storytelling skills. He reaffirmed the NUJ's commitment to capacity-building through periodic training for students and teachers, as well as inter-school press competitions to encourage creativity and excellence.
The event featured news presentations by the newly inaugurated press clubs as part of the 2025 NUJ Press Week activities. Mr. Harry Essang, Principal of BBA, expressed gratitude to NUJ for selecting his school and commended the impact on students' confidence. Club Patron, Kayode Mayode, also highlighted how the club had boosted students' public speaking and writing skills.
Student participants shared similar sentiments. Miss Asimawu Maitama stated that the experience deepened her interest in journalism and improved her confidence. Mr. Joshua Itajuwa, who shares a passion for journalism with his sister, described the club as life-changing, noting that he now speaks boldly and confidently in public. Miss Sule Favour, President of the GSS Garki Press Club, called the initiative a great opportunity and pledged to build on the legacy of Nigerian journalists. Her school principal, Mr. Sadeeq Ochiji, lauded the council's effort and expressed hope that the club would groom the next generation of media professionals. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for renovating the school.