ABUJA- The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on journalists to remain committed to press freedom, media excellence, and democratic values, while also prioritising their personal health.
The NUJ also emphasised that a healthy journalist was a strong advocate for truth and accountability in society.
The FCT Council Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, made the call during the second free medical outreach for journalists, on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach was organised by the council in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital.
It formed part of activities marking its 2025 Press Week, themed “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.”
“In a time when journalism continues to evolve amid new technologies and societal shifts, our responsibility remains clear: to uphold press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
“We must continue to hold power accountable and serve society with truth and integrity. Yet, journalism comes with professional and personal challenges.
“This outreach recognises that our health is paramount to carrying out this vital mission effectively,” Ike said.
She commended Nizamiye Hospital for its consistent commitment to quality healthcare and its partnership with the NUJ to provide free medical services to journalists.
Ike recalled that during the first outreach, the hospital’s team of specialists provided comprehensive medical services to more than 300 journalists.
The ongoing partnership, she said, aimed to promote health awareness and improve the overall well-being of media professionals in the FCT.
“We sincerely appreciate Nizamiye Hospital’s generosity, expertise, and dedication to supporting the media community.
“Their commitment to extending quality medical services across Nigeria reflects the solidarity we value between our professions,” Ike added.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, advised journalists to prioritise regular medical check-ups, especially from age 40 and above.
“We should not take regular health checks lightly. It is said that after 40 years of age, you must check at least twice a year.
“Many people live with high blood pressure or elevated sugar levels without knowing it.
“These are silent conditions that may go unnoticed until it’s too late,” he said.
Abubakar pledged the hospital’s continued support for journalists, describing the outreach as part of a long-term collaboration.
“The last time we were here, we treated about 300 people. Today, we’re back, not to finish everything, but to continue.
“We plan to extend this partnership beyond Press Week, making these outreaches a regular initiative,” he said.
He explained that the medical outreach covered general health screenings, eye checks, and cardiovascular assessments, among others.
“We’ve noticed that many patients require reading glasses, and we’re planning to provide those.
“For those with cataracts, we have promised to treat them free of charge. If there’s a need for further surgeries, we’re prepared to assist,” Abubakar added.
Mr Malachi Uzendu, former NUJ FCT Chairman and an editor with The Authority newspaper, described the initiative as exceptional.
“Journalists are among the most stressed professionals in the world.
“What’s happening here today goes beyond compassion, it’s a remarkable, life-saving initiative,” Uzendu said.
He encouraged journalists to undergo regular, comprehensive medical check-ups, noting that media professionals often work around the clock with little rest.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT chapter, Mrs Basset Ita-Ikpang, lauded the Ike-led NUJ executive for bringing healthcare directly to journalists’ doorsteps.
“This has never been done before by the union. It’s a bold and thoughtful initiative,” she said.
Ita-Ikpang stressed the importance of health awareness within the media profession.
“It’s common knowledge that journalists often don’t make time for health checks.
“But only through regular screening can we detect ailments early and treat them promptly,” she said. (NAN)
