NUJ FCT Council honours NYSC board chairman Ntufam Hilliard Eta as grand patron

In a landmark event held as part of its 2025 Press Week celebration, the Comrade Grace Ike-led Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has honoured Ntufam Hilliard Eta, Chairman of the Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with the prestigious title of Grand Patron.

The honour was conferred during a public lecture and awards ceremony on Tuesday, July 22, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The decoration was performed by the Chairman of the occasion, former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the media, government, and civil society to celebrate journalistic excellence and deepen discussions around national development. Ntufam Eta’s recognition as Grand Patron highlights his notable support for the media and his commitment to youth empowerment through the NYSC scheme.

The theme of the Press Week is “Journalism in a Changing World: Media, Press Freedom, Democracy and Society.”

In his acceptance speech, Eta promised to continue supporting the council and reaffirmed his strong belief in the press as a key force for national development.

He praised journalists for their efforts in promoting unity and national cohesion, and emphasised the need for government institutions to work closely with the media to push for policy reforms and inclusive storytelling.

Eta said his role as Grand Patron would not just be symbolic, but would involve active participation.

He pledged to keep working with NUJ FCT on efforts that support press freedom and improve the welfare of journalists.

“We must build a country where journalists feel respected and safe,” he said.