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By Torkwase Nyiekaa, Abuja
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the Beacon of Education Award in recognition of her contributions to educational development and youth empowerment, while pledging to intensify advocacy for children living with special needs.
The award was presented on Friday by Beautiful Beginning Academy during its graduation ceremony held at Nile University, Abuja.
The institution said the honour was in appreciation of Ike’s commitment to educational excellence and her support for initiatives that have positively impacted pupils and young learners.
Presenting the award before an audience of parents, teachers, graduates and other distinguished guests, the Proprietor and Managing Director of the Academy, Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Nasa Okolie, described Ike as a compassionate leader whose acts of generosity have transformed lives without seeking public recognition.
She recalled how the NUJ FCT Council, under Ike’s leadership, came to the aid of the Academy when it was preparing to participate in a national media quiz competition.
According to Okolie, the school had barely two weeks to prepare for the contest when she sought support and found a willing partner in the NUJ FCT Chairman.
She explained that Ike not only endorsed the initiative but also ensured that the pupils received the welfare and logistical support needed to compete effectively, including gifts and other forms of encouragement that boosted their confidence throughout the competition.
The intervention, she noted, contributed significantly to 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.
The Academy described Ike as a beacon of compassion whose commitment to the welfare and development of children has inspired both educators and students.
It added that the award was a recognition of her dedication to educational excellence and her invaluable contributions to learning and youth development.
An emotional Ike, who disclosed that she had not been informed beforehand that she would receive the honour, described the recognition as both humbling and a renewed call to service.
Holding back tears during her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to Ms. Adaeze Tochukwu Taha Okeke, a student with special needs whose story deeply touched her during the ceremony.
“I dedicate this award to Adaeze,” she said.
The NUJ FCT Chairman used the occasion to reaffirm her commitment to advocating for children with special needs, promising to leverage her professional platform and influence to draw greater attention to their challenges and aspirations.
“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,” Ike stated.
She also commended Adaeze’s family for their unwavering support and dedication, noting that their resilience serves as an inspiration for broader advocacy efforts aimed at promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for children living with disabilities.
The presentation of the Beacon of Education Award attracted a standing ovation from guests and emerged as one of the defining moments of the 2026 Beautiful Beginning Academy graduation ceremony.
The event highlighted the growing role of partnerships among educational institutions, the media and community stakeholders in advancing inclusive education and creating opportunities for every child to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
