NUJ FCTGrace Ike bags Beautiful Beginning Academy’s Beacon of Education Award, commits to champion children with special needs

Livinus Chibuike July 17, 2026

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, was on Friday honoured with the Beacon of Education Award by Beautiful Beginning Academy in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, youth development and humanitarian service, as the school celebrated its 2026 Graduation Ceremony in Abuja. The Award came after the Academy revealed how Comrade Ike’s intervention helped transform the fortunes of its pupils during a School competition on Media Quiz, where the Beautiful Beginning Academy eventually secured 1st position. Presenting the Award before an audience of parents, teachers, graduates and dignitaries, the School’s Proprietor, Dr Mrs Rosemary Nasa Okolie described Comrade Ike as a leader whose quiet acts of generosity had changed the lives of many children without seeking public recognition. She recalled that upon learning about the Academy’s participation in a national contest just two weeks before the event, she reached out for support and found an immediate partner in Grace Ike. According to her, the NUJ FCT Chairman did not merely endorse the project but ensured the children received the welfare support they needed throughout the competition, including gifts and other logistics that kept their morale high. The Proprietor said the intervention 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,” she said. The academy described Ike as a beacon of compassion whose commitment had inspired both pupils and educators. In recognition of her impact, the Institution presented her with the “Beacon of Education Award”, citing her outstanding commitment to educational excellence and invaluable contributions to learning and youth development. An emotional Comrade Grace Ike, who said she had not been informed she would receive the honour, described the Award as both a surprise and a Renewed Call to Service. Holding back tears, she dedicated the recognition to Adeze, a child whose personal story deeply moved her during the graduation ceremony. “I dedicate this award to Adeze,” Ike said. Comrade Ike pledged to devote more of her time, professional platform and influence to advocating for children living with special needs. “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,” she said. She also commended Adeze’s family for their unwavering commitment, promising that their story would continue to inspire advocacy for inclusion and equal opportunities. The presentation of the “Beacon of Education Award” drew a standing ovation from guests and became one of the defining moments of the 2026 Beautiful Beginning Academy Graduation Ceremony, reinforcing the growing role of journalism, philanthropy and community partnerships in advancing inclusive education in Nigeria.