Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) benefited from free medical consultations and health screenings on Saturday as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, partnered with Nizamiye Hospital to organise a medical outreach as part of activities marking the 2026 Press Week in Abuja.
The outreach programme was aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of media professionals, many of whom work under demanding and stressful conditions.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, urged journalists to prioritise their health while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
According to her, media practitioners often devote themselves to informing the public and serving society while neglecting their personal wellbeing.
“A healthy journalist is better equipped to serve society with excellence,” she said.
Ike commended Nizamiye Hospital for supporting the initiative and stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups for professionals working in high-pressure environments.
A representative of the hospital, Dr. Uzochukwu Chetachi, explained that the outreach was designed to provide journalists with free medical consultations, examinations, and professional health advice.
She disclosed that specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, general practice, pharmacy, laboratory services, and nursing participated in the exercise.
According to the medical team, journalists diagnosed with serious health conditions during the screening would be referred to appropriate specialists for further treatment and management.
The medical outreach coincided with the opening of the NUJ FCT Council’s 2026 Press Week themed, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”
Addressing journalists during the opening ceremony, Ike called on media practitioners across the country to uphold ethical journalism and combat fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She warned that the increasing spread of misinformation and propaganda poses a serious threat 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 stated.
She further urged journalists to remain professional, accurate, and balanced in their reportage as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.
Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Obas Esiedesa, said the week-long programme would feature discussions and capacity-building sessions on media safety, journalism ethics, and public interest reporting.
