NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Wins Beacon of Education Award, Pledges to Champion Voices of Children with Special Needs

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the “Beacon of Education Award” by Beautiful Beginning Academy for her outstanding commitment to educational excellence, youth development and inclusive education.

Ike received the award on Friday at Nile University, Abuja, during the 2026 graduation ceremony of the Academy, following the school’s recognition of her role in helping its pupils emerge as winners of a national media quiz competition.

The award presentation was one of the emotional high points of the ceremony, which was attended by parents, teachers, graduates and other dignitaries.

Presenting the award, the Proprietor and Managing Director of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Nasa Okolie, described Ike as a compassionate leader whose quiet acts of generosity had positively transformed the lives of children.

Okolie recalled that when she informed the NUJ FCT Chairman about the school’s participation in the national competition barely two weeks before the event, Ike immediately offered her support.

She said Ike went beyond merely endorsing the pupils’ participation, ensuring that they received the welfare support, gifts and logistics required to keep them motivated throughout the competition.

According to her, the intervention played a significant role in the school’s eventual emergence as the overall winner.

“She came in and changed the narrative. There is nothing I can give her that equals what she has done for these children,” she said.

The Academy described Ike as a beacon of compassion and a leader whose commitment to education had inspired pupils, teachers and the wider community.

In recognition of her contributions, the institution presented her with the “Beacon of Education Award,” citing her dedication to educational excellence and her invaluable contributions to learning and youth development.

An emotional Ike, who said she was unaware that she would be honoured, described the award as both a surprise and a renewed call to service.

Holding back tears, she dedicated the recognition to Ms. Adaeze Tochukwu Taha Okeke, a special-needs student whose story deeply moved her during the graduation ceremony.

“I dedicate this award to Adaeze,” Ike said.

She pledged to devote more of her time, professional platform and influence to advocating for children living with special needs, particularly through journalism.

“I will amplify their voices, tell their stories and continue to use journalism to draw attention to their needs so society can better support them,” she said.

Ike also commended Adaeze’s family for their unwavering commitment and support, promising that the child’s story would continue to inspire advocacy for inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities for children living with special needs.

The award presentation received a standing ovation from guests and became one of the defining moments of the 2026 graduation ceremony.

It also underscored the growing importance of collaboration among the media, schools, families and community leaders in promoting educational development and building a more inclusive society where every child, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to thrive.

NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Wins Beacon of Education Award, Pledges to Champion Voices of Children with Special Needs

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Logistics Supplier During Night Patrol in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) member who allegedly confessed to spying on military movements and supplying logistics to terrorists operating in northern Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Muhammad Mustapha, 25, from Monguno Local Government Area, was arrested at about 9:00 p.m. on July 16 during a night patrol and identification exercise conducted by combined troops of the 403 Amphibious Brigade/130 Battalion (Motorised) in conjunction with the Nigerian Borderless Logistics Corps (NBLC) and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The operation was carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY V.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of a Boko Haram/ISWAP cell based in the Kadia area, north of Mairari town.

He further admitted that he had been tasked by the terrorist group to monitor and gather intelligence on troops conducting shoulder clearance operations along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route (MSR).

According to security sources, the suspect also confessed to serving as a logistics supplier and task collector for the terrorist group, supporting insurgent activities in the Lake Chad region.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation and exploitation of intelligence.

Military sources said the arrest represents another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist intelligence and logistics networks supporting insurgent operations in the North-East.

The military added that although the general security situation across the Operation HADIN KAI theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness.

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Logistics Supplier During Night Patrol in Borno

Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom

By Zagazola Makama

A Fulani herder identified as Ja’afaru was reportedly shot in an ambush by suspected armed assailants in Tanjol Community, Jol Ward of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, in what residents fear could heighten tensions in the area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, as the victim and other herders were returning home after grazing their cattle.

According to community sources, the group was allegedly ambushed by suspected Berom militia, who opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.

The Fulani community in the area confirmed the incident, stating that Ja’afaru sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The condition of the victim could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.

The incident comes barely 24 hours after another violent attack in the neighbouring Yarwai Community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where suspected assailants reportedly attacked a herder and shot eight cattle.

Security sources said efforts were underway to verify the latest incident and identify those responsible, while troops and other security agencies have intensified patrols in the affected communities to forestall reprisals and maintain public order.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid retaliatory actions, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.

Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom