By Frank Ulom
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Two trailblazing journalists, Archibong Etim Bassey of the Cross River State Chapter and Grace Ike of the FCT Chapter, have been named among the 2025 Changemakers: 100 Nigerians Leading Change, in recognition of their groundbreaking leadership and impactful journalism.
The announcement was made in a statement by the editors of the biographical compendium, Kammonke Abam and Steve Ogah, who praised both women for breaking the glass ceiling within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by becoming the first female chairmen of their respective chapters.
Bassey, the first female NUJ Chairman, Cross River State Chapter, was recognised for her transformative approach to broadcast journalism.
A veteran journalist with over two decades of experience at NTA Calabar, Bassey is known for using her platform to shed light on the challenges faced by marginalised and hard-to-reach communities. Her field reports have sparked public attention and prompted government intervention in rural areas.
Her counterpart, Grace Ike, a seasoned correspondent with ADBN TV (Advocate Broadcasting TV), on the other hand, was honoured for her unwavering commitment to inclusive reporting and professionalism.
With 16 years in journalism — 10 of which have been focused on legislative reporting — she is widely regarded as an authority in the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives.
Ike also made history as the first female Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps (2020–2024) and served as the first female Vice Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel.
Converseer reports that the Changemakers list features Nigerians from various sectors whose work is considered pivotal in reshaping the nation’s image and future.
Others on the 2025 edition include BBC West Africa Correspondent Nkechi Onyinyechi Ogbonna, Moniepoint founder Olurowunmi, leading human rights activist Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, and Afro-fusion artiste Akinade Ibuoye, popularly known as “Gaise Baba”.
Described as a response to negative stereotypes about Nigeria, Changemakers is regarded as a premier biographical record of individuals effecting meaningful and positive change across the country.
