Yuletide: FCT NUJ Distributes Rice to 600 Members

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has distributed bags of rice to 600 members to support their Yuletide celebrations.

The council chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, presided over the distribution event held at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako District, Abuja, on Monday. She noted that this initiative marks the first phase, with plans to reach more members by January 2025.

Ike highlighted the significance of Christmas as a season that fosters love, unity, and peaceful coexistence. “Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and promotes values of love and unity. As executives, we are committed to the well-being and welfare of our members. This rice distribution is a testament to that commitment, and it is just the beginning,” she said.

She explained that the council applied specific criteria to ensure fairness in the distribution. “We collaborated with chapel leaderships who accessed the congress register to identify eligible members. This approach encourages active participation in union activities, reinforcing the sense of belonging among members,” Ike added.

Reflecting on challenges faced by her administration, Ike disclosed that the previous executive council did not leave any resources or handover notes. Despite this, the new leadership prioritized selflessness and transparency to ensure member welfare.

“There was no handover from the past leadership, but our passion for the well-being of members drives us. This is the first batch, and we plan to distribute more in January. Our goal is inclusivity and transparency, ensuring this initiative is a step toward unity and accountability within the union,” she said.

She further assured members of her administration’s dedication to their welfare. “We are less than a month in office, but we have hit the ground running. This initiative demonstrates our readiness to serve and to put smiles on the faces of NUJ members in FCT. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” she concluded.

The gesture was widely praised by members as a welcome development and a significant move toward fostering unity and support within the union.