Grace Ike Bags Beacon Of Education Award, Pledges Greater Advocacy For Special Needs Children

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the Beacon of Education Award by Beautiful Beginning Academy for her outstanding commitment to educational development, youth empowerment and humanitarian service.

The award, presented during the Academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony in Abuja, recognised Ike’s impactful support for the institution, particularly her role in helping the school emerge victorious at a national media quiz competition.

Speaking at the event, the Proprietor and Managing Director of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Dr Rosemary Nasa Okolie, described the NUJ FCT Chairman as an exceptional leader whose generosity and dedication to the advancement of education have transformed the lives of many young people.

Okolie recalled that the Academy had only two weeks to prepare for the national media competition when she sought assistance from the NUJ FCT Council under Ike’s leadership.

She said Ike immediately embraced the initiative, providing critical welfare and logistical support that enabled the pupils to participate confidently and competitively.

According to her, beyond endorsing the project, the NUJ FCT Chairman ensured the children received the encouragement, gifts and other essential support needed throughout the competition, a gesture she said played a vital role in the school’s 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,” Okolie said.

She added that the institution decided to honour Ike because of her unwavering commitment to educational excellence, describing her as a beacon of hope whose compassion continues to inspire both learners and educators.

An emotional Ike, who disclosed that the award came as a complete surprise, described the recognition as a humbling honour and a renewed call to deepen her commitment to humanity through journalism and public service.

In one of the ceremony’s most touching moments, she dedicated the award to Ms Adaeze Tochukwu Taha Okeke, a student living with special needs whose resilience and inspiring story moved her emotionally.

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

She pledged to intensify advocacy for children with special needs by using journalism as a tool to amplify their voices, promote inclusion and draw greater public attention to the challenges they face.

“I will continue to tell their stories, amplify their voices and use journalism to advocate for policies and actions that will give them equal opportunities to thrive,” she said.

Ike also applauded Adaeze’s family for their unwavering support and sacrifice, noting that their commitment serves as a powerful example of love, resilience and hope for families raising children with disabilities.

The presentation of the Beacon of Education Award drew a standing ovation from guests, parents, teachers and dignitaries, becoming one of the defining moments of the graduation ceremony.

The recognition further highlighted the growing impact of strategic partnerships between the media and educational institutions in promoting inclusive education and creating opportunities for every child, regardless of ability, to realise their full potential.