By: Ubong Usoro
… Eyes 5,000 Housing Units First Journalist Village in Abuja
In a bold push to tackle the housing crisis facing media professionals in Nigeria’s capital, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Chapter, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) to champion the cause of affordable and decent housing for journalists.
During a courtesy visit to HDAN headquarters, the NUJ delegation—led by Grace Ike, the first female to chair the FCT Council in its 43-year history—reiterated the urgent need for housing reforms that prioritize journalists who work tirelessly, often under dangerous and demanding conditions, to inform and shape public discourse.
Grace Ike emphasized that providing sustainable housing solutions aligns directly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to address the nation’s lingering housing deficit. “Journalists are the voice of the nation, yet many of them live without the dignity of home ownership. This must change,” she said.
Responding to the visit, HDAN Executive Director, Barr. Festus Adebayo, welcomed the partnership, urging unity among journalists in the pursuit of this goal. “There is no limit to what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause,” he stated. Adebayo pledged HDAN’s full support in leading high-level engagements with industry experts and key stakeholders to bring the vision of a Journalist Village to life.
As part of the agreement, a high-level committee will be inaugurated to interface with government agencies, developers, and housing finance institutions to chart a clear and actionable roadmap toward solving the FCT journalists’ housing challenge.
The move is aimed at ensuring that Abuja journalists may soon see their long-held dream of owning affordable homes become a reality.
