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2025 workers’ day: Grace Ike greets workers, requires press freedom, right conditions
Abuja (Core reporter) The President of the Union of Nigeria of Journalists (Nuj) Federal Capital Territory (Chapter FCT), Formagro Grace Ike, praised the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers in the midst of economic difficulties in the country. He also asks for greater freedom of the press and better working conditions for journalists.
He made the call on Thursday in Abuja while the Nigerian workers joined the rest of the world to celebrate the international work day of 2025, otherwise known as the workers’ day.
In his message in May, Ike spoke about the struggles that many workers, in particular journalists, are facing due to the current economic situation. He echoed the theme of this year: “claim the civic space in the middle of economic difficulties”.
“The day of workers is not only a moment to honor the value of the work, but also a moment to advise us to protect the civil space – a space in which each item matters, where the truth is defended and where the rights are respected,” he said.
Ike has highlighted the difficult times that Nigerian workers are going through, mentioning the increase in the cost of living, the insecurity of the work and the limited opportunities. He warned that these challenges not only affect the means of subsistence of people, but also threaten the same freedoms that support democracy.
“The media play a vital role, now more than ever. Journalists must continue to speak, make leaders responsible and protect the vulnerable voices,” he said. “We have to defend the freedom of the press, reject the censorship and fight for fair treatment.”
He also invited all sectors, from the government to private employers and civil society, to support workers by creating better work environments.
“We do not allow these economic struggles to remove our rights or silence,” he urged. “Instead, let our difficulties unite to build a more just Nigeria in which each worker has a real possibility of thriving.”
As the first woman to lead the advice Nuj Fct, Grace Ike concluded her message with a strong appeal for unity and action.
“On this day of workers, I ask everyone – from the government to employers – to be next to it. We protect our freedoms, investment in our people and transform the sacrifices of workers into real progress for our country.”
