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

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