Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday accessed free medical consultations and health screenings as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, partnered Nizamiye Hospital to organise a health outreach as part of activities marking the 2026 Press Week.
Key Highlights:
- Journalists in Abuja received free medical consultations and health screenings during an outreach organized by the NUJ FCT Council in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital.
- The initiative was part of activities marking the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week, aimed at promoting journalists’ health and wellbeing.
- NUJ FCT Chairperson Grace Ike emphasized the importance of regular medical checks for journalists working under high-pressure conditions.
- Nizamiye Hospital provided specialists across multiple fields and referred participants with serious conditions for further treatment.
- The Press Week also focused on media ethics and combating misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
The exercise, held in Abuja, was designed to promote the well-being of media practitioners who, in the line of duty, often operate under intense pressure and demanding schedules.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, said the initiative underscored the need for journalists to pay closer attention to their health while discharging their professional responsibilities.
She noted that many journalists prioritise public service and information delivery at the expense of their personal wellbeing.
“A healthy journalist is better equipped to serve society with excellence,” she said, commending Nizamiye Hospital for supporting the initiative and emphasising the importance of routine medical checks for professionals in high-stress environments.
A representative of the hospital, Dr. Uwechukwu Chetachi, said the outreach was structured to provide journalists with access to free consultations, medical examinations and professional health advice.
She explained that specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, general practice, pharmacy, laboratory services and nursing took part in the exercise.
According to her, participants diagnosed with serious conditions during the screening would be referred for further treatment and specialist care.
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The outreach coincided with the opening of the NUJ FCT Council’s 2026 Press Week, with the theme: “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”
In her address at the opening ceremony, Ike urged journalists nationwide to uphold ethical standards and intensify efforts against fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She warned that misinformation and propaganda pose significant risks to democracy and national cohesion.
“The press has a sacred duty to protect truth, defend accountability, and preserve the integrity of our democratic process,” she said, urging practitioners to remain professional, accurate and balanced in their reporting.
Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Mr. Obas Esiedesa, said the week-long programme would also feature panel discussions and capacity-building sessions focused on media safety, ethics and public interest journalism.
He commended partners and members of the organising committee for their contributions to the success of the event.
