The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has showered accolades on its former Chairman, Barrister Malachi Uzendu, following his triumphant completion of the Nigerian Law School program and official call to the Bar, hailing the milestone as a testament to his unyielding drive for professional growth and a bridge between media and legal advocacy. In a congratulatory statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the Council’s Secretary, Uzendu’s achievement was lauded as a “remarkable milestone” that embodies resilience, determination, and a passion for lifelong learning, inspiring the journalism fraternity amid Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
Uzendu, a seasoned journalist with over two decades in the profession, served as NUJ FCT Chairman in the past, a tenure marked by robust advocacy for press freedom, ethical reporting, and union welfare during a period of heightened journalist harassment. As Abuja Bureau Chief for The Authority Newspapers, Uzendu has chronicled pivotal national stories, including security reforms and political developments, earning him recognition as a voice for accountability. His 2012 byline on the Inspector General’s order to dismantle illegal roadblocks highlighted early contributions to public safety discourse.
Recently, in July 2025, during the NUJ FCT’s Press Week, Uzendu was among seven past chairmen honored with the Excellence in Service Award at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, for foundational leadership that fortified the Council’s secretariat and vibrant press activities.
The statement praised Uzendu’s seamless pivot to law, noting his embodiment of “fairness, justice, and integrity”—core tenets that defined his journalistic ethos. “Barrister Uzendu has always embodied the values of fairness, justice, and integrity. We are confident that these principles… will continue to guide his practice in law,” it read. During a July 2025 medical outreach by NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital—benefiting over 250 journalists—Uzendu commended the initiative as vital support for the “most stressed professions,” underscoring his ongoing commitment to media well-being. This aligns with his broader service, including roles in union mediation and ethical training, as the Council navigates contemporary challenges like digital misinformation and AI’s impact on reporting.
The NUJ FCT expressed optimism that Uzendu’s dual expertise will fortify intersections between media and justice sectors in Nigeria, where legal acumen is increasingly vital for defending press rights—evidenced by 2024’s landmark rulings quashing journalist detentions. “His transition into the legal profession is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for the entire journalism community,” the statement affirmed, wishing him “continued success, wisdom, and fulfillment” in his new chapter.
Uzendu’s journey—from bureau chief to barrister—mirrors a growing trend among Nigerian journalists pursuing law to combat industry vulnerabilities, with over 500 media professionals called to the Bar since 2020, per Nigerian Bar Association data. As the NUJ FCT, under Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike—Nigeria’s first female FCT Council leader—continues initiatives like free health outreaches and anti-harassment campaigns, Uzendu’s feat reinforces the union’s ethos of versatility and service.
In a media environment grappling with economic pressures—journalist salaries averaging ₦150,000 monthly amid 33% inflation (NBS 2025)—Uzendu’s milestone inspires peers to embrace multifaceted careers, blending ink and gavel for national progress.
