… Advocacy for Journalist Villages in All States Gains Momentum as NUJ FCT Council calls for collaboration to house fct journalists
The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), owners of Housing TV Africa, has called on state governments, housing agencies, and private developers to as a matter of urgency support the development of housing estates for media professionals, especially the creation of Journalist Villages in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo made this call during a courtesy visit by members of the executive council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Chapter at his office in Abuja.
During the meeting, Adebayo passionately advocated for the recognition of journalists as deserving beneficiaries of government-backed housing schemes, emphasizing the need for dignity, stability, and access to affordable housing for media professionals.
According to Adebayo, “We believe journalists are not beggars and should be treated with respect and dignity. Journalists are entitled to own homes, and every government in this country should make provisions to house them.”
He recalled that recently, efforts were made to provide housing for judges in the Federal Capital Territory, and similar attention must be given to those in the media who play a vital role in shaping public discourse and holding the government accountable.
“This is the first time in history that we are calling for the establishment of decent and basic housing, Journalist Villages in all the states of Nigeria,” he added.
The visit by the NUJ FCT Exco, led by its Chairperson, Grace Ike, was part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of journalists in the FCT. Adebayo pledged to champion the cause and directed that a dedicated committee be set up to drive the initiative.
“This is a movement whose time has come,” he said. “We will not just advocate; we will collaborate and provide technical support to ensure this vision becomes a reality.”
Members of the newly constituted Journalist Village Committee for the NUJ FCT Council were selected based on their track records and commitment to media advocacy and development. The committee is expected to work closely with relevant housing authorities, stakeholders in the real estate sector, and development partners to identify land, funding options, and implementation frameworks for the journalist housing estates.
Also speaking at the visit, members of the NUJ Exco expressed optimism that the partnership with HDAN and Housing TV Africa will fast-track the realization of the journalist housing scheme. “We want to specially thank Barr. Adebayo for granting us this audience and for lending his voice and resources to this noble cause,” a council member said.
As Nigeria’s housing deficit continues to affect professionals across various sectors, the push to include journalists in organized housing efforts marks a major step forward.
Adebayo added, “This is not just about housing. It is about restoring the dignity of the Nigerian journalist. It’s about giving back to those who have given so much to our democracy.”
With strong backing from HDAN, the NUJ FCT Council, and other media advocacy bodies, the vision of Journalist Villages in all states of Nigeria may soon become a national reality.
The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) is a leading civil society organization and the owners of the Africa International Housing Show and Housing TV Africa, dedicated to championing affordable housing, transparent policies, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s real estate and construction industries. Its membership includes professionals that cut across different areas and professional bodies. Through research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, HDAN seeks to influence policy reforms and promote equitable development.
