As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Workers’ Day, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has praised the hard work, commitment and dedication of workers.
This was as she called for greater press freedom and better working conditions for journalists.
Comrade Ike, who stated these in her May Day message which she dedicated to the struggles many workers — especially journalists — are facing due to the current economic situation, stressing that the tough times Nigerian workers are going through needed to be urgently addressed.
He noted that the rising cost of living, job insecurity, and limited opportunities are increasing, thus emphasised that the challenges not only affect people’s livelihoods but also threaten the very freedoms that support democracy.
Echoing this year’s theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” Comrade Ike said that Workers’ Day is not just a time to honour the value of work, but also a time to recommit to protecting the civic space where every voice matters, where truth is defended, and where rights are respected.
In the words of Ike; “The media plays a vital role, now more than ever. Journalists must continue to speak out, hold leaders accountable, and protect the voices of the vulnerable.
“We must defend press freedom, push back against censorship, and fight for fair treatment at work.”.
The NUJ chairman therefore called on all sectors — from the government to private employers and civil society, to support workers by creating better working environments.
She said; “Let’s not allow these economic struggles to take away our rights or silence us. Instead, let our difficulties unite us in building a fairer Nigeria where every worker has a real chance to thrive”.
As the first female to lead the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike ended her message with a strong appeal for unity and action, saying; “On this Workers’ Day, I urge everyone — from the government to employers — to stand by us. Let’s protect our freedoms, invest in our people, and turn workers’ sacrifices into real progress for our country.”
