Minister: We’ll ask FMBN to provide land for journalists’ village project in Abuja

Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development, has reaffirmed his commitment to the proposed Nigerian Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) village in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The minister spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the NUJ FCT council press week lecture and awards ceremony titled, ‘Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society’.

Dangiwa said the affordable housing estate for journalists in the nation’s capital would become a reality.

“To the chairman, NUJ FCT chapter, I want to assure you of our previous engagement and discussions towards having the journalists’ village in the FCT,” he said.

“I assure you that your dream will become a reality as I have pledged to you during our courtesy call and meeting engagement we had with you.

“We are going to direct the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), through the cooperative housing development, to provide the land to build this estate.”

Dangiwa advised journalists to report responsibly about the federal ministry of housing and urban development and its activities.

“We want Nigerians to understand why we are doing it, and no one is better placed to help tell that story than you, the journalists, editors, photographers, producers, publishers, who serve as the eyes and ears of the public,” he said.

The minister said President Bola Tinubu has “genuine respect” for the media’s role.

“That’s not just a lip service. It’s a policy, practice and part of the renew hope agenda,” he said.

Dangiwa said technology has revolutionised journalism, presenting both opportunities and risks.

“On one hand, digital innovation has made it easier to reach audiences, tell stories in real time and expose wrongdoing. On the other hand, it has also made the job more dangerous,” he said.

“Misinformation spreads like wildfire. Online harassment is real, and unfortunately, many journalists, especially women, face threats simply doing their jobs. That’s why events like this matter a lot.

“We all know that the realities across the world and even in democracies, press freedom is under pressure. Journalists face intimidation, censorship and economic hardship.

“And in this digital age, where content can be distorted and even drawn out of the fake news, your profession has become more difficult. But let me say this: your work matters.

“It matters because democracy doesn’t just depend on elections. It depends on the information. Accurate, timely and responsive information is what the press provides. It is free, fair and fearless.”

Grace Ike, chairperson of NUJ FCT council, said the long-awaited housing initiative would enable journalists to own an affordable home.

“These projects are not luxuries; they are foundational investments in the future of journalism and the well-being of those who power it,” Ike said.

She urged the government, media, stakeholders, and partners to support the project.