Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been recognised for her contributions to humanitarian causes and community development with the Humanitarian Award for Excellence in Service.
The honour was presented during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Women of Glory Foundation, held in Abuja at the weekend.
Organisers described Ike as one of the most influential figures in media mobilisation, citing her commitment to advocacy, public enlightenment and initiatives that have positively impacted communities within and beyond the Federal Capital Territory.
The award formed part of activities commemorating a decade of humanitarian service by the Women of Glory Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women across Nigeria.
Over the past 10 years, the foundation has focused on empowering widows, elderly women, single mothers and other disadvantaged groups through a range of interventions, including skills acquisition programmes, mentorship initiatives, healthcare support and economic empowerment schemes.
The organisation has also built a nationwide network spanning the 36 states of the federation, where members engage in awareness campaigns on issues such as gender-based violence, child protection, public health, environmental sustainability and national development.
Speaking during the anniversary event, founder of the foundation, Dr Nneka Evelyn Nzewi, reflected on the journey of the organisation, tracing its roots to personal experiences that inspired a mission centred on compassion, hope and service to humanity.
She highlighted the foundation’s growth over the past decade and its impact on the lives of thousands of women who have benefited from its programmes and support initiatives.
She said: “At a very young age, I lost my father. My mother was suddenly left to raise five children with no support system, and in the midst of that struggle my mum endured the heartbreaking loss of two of her children. I watched her fight every day to survive—to provide, to stay strong, and to keep hope alive when the odds were stacked against her.”
“As a child I did whatever I could to help support our family.
“I remember seeing my mother work tirelessly, often in tears, wishing for just a little help. What she needed was not charity alone, but support, dignity, opportunity, and someone who believed in her potential.”
It was in the midst of these harrowing challenges that she made a promise to God: if He got her through that difficult childhood and she became successful, she would dedicate herself to supporting women in situations like her mother’s. The rest, as they say, is history.
The award ceremony was well attended by women from all strata of society, many of whom are making significant impacts in different spheres of life.
When presenting the award to the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike who was represented by Sharon Emephia, Assistant Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, the organisers praised her outstanding leadership in mobilizing and integrating journalists for proactive national interest.
Sharon Emephia, speaking on behalf of Chairman Grace Ike, commended the founder of the Women of Glory Foundation and her team for sustaining the impact of their humanitarian work over the past ten years.
“Ten years of sustained impact is no small achievement.
“It reflects resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to service. In a time when many initiatives struggle for continuity, your decade-long journey stands as a testament to purpose-driven leadership”, she said.
The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council also thanked the organizers for the recognition.
“I sincerely appreciate the organizers for this recognition.
“I receive this honour with gratitude and humility, and I see it not just as a personal award but as a reflection of the collective efforts of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council and the values we uphold in promoting truth, development and societal progress”, she said.
The organisers expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has supported their humanitarian work over the past ten years.
“Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and being part of this journey of impact.
“Join us in making a difference your involvement can help change lives. With gratitude and faith,” she added.
The anniversary celebration brought together community leaders, civil society advocates, media professionals, women groups and development partners to honour individuals and organisations that have contributed to humanitarian causes and social development.
For many attendees, the recognition of Grace Ike underscored the increasingly important role of the media in promoting social change, amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups and mobilising support for humanitarian interventions.
The award also adds to a growing list of recognitions received by the NUJ FCT chairman for her contributions to journalism, leadership and community service.
As the Women of Glory Foundation enters its second decade, the organisation says it remains committed to expanding its outreach programmes and deepening its support for women and families facing social and economic challenges across the country.