NUJ FCT partners Nizamiye Hospital to provide free health checks for journalists

Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday benefited from free medical consultations and health screenings as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, partnered with Nizamiye Hospital to kick off activities marking its 2026 Press Week in Abuja.

The medical outreach was organised to promote the health and wellbeing of media practitioners, many of whom operate under intense pressure and demanding work schedules.

Speaking at the event, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, urged journalists to prioritise their health while discharging their professional duties.

She noted that many journalists often focus on serving society and informing the public while neglecting their own wellbeing.

“A healthy journalist is better equipped to serve society with excellence,” she said, while commending Nizamiye Hospital for supporting the initiative.

A representative of the hospital, Dr Uwchukwu Chetachi, said the outreach was designed to provide free consultations, examinations and professional medical advice to journalists.

She added that specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, general practice, pharmacy, laboratory services and nursing participated in the exercise.

According to her, participants diagnosed with serious health conditions would be referred for further treatment and proper management.

The outreach coincided with the opening of the NUJ FCT Council’s 2026 Press Week, themed: “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”

In her remarks at the opening ceremony, Grace Ike also called on journalists nationwide to uphold ethical journalism and intensify efforts against fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She warned that misinformation and propaganda pose serious threats to democracy and national stability.

“The press has a sacred duty to protect truth, defend accountability, and preserve the integrity of our democratic process,” she said.

Chairman of the 2026 Press Week committee, Mr Obas Esiedesa, said the week-long programme would feature capacity-building sessions, discussions on media safety, journalism ethics and public interest reporting.

He thanked partners and members of the planning committee for supporting the successful commencement of the Press Week activities.

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