The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged journalists in the Federal Capital Territory to pay closer attention to their mental health amid the increasing pressure associated with media practice.
Ike made the call on Monday during the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week Health Walk held in Abuja, where she noted that the theme of the exercise, “Mental Health and Stress Management in High-Pressure Work Environments,” reflects the everyday challenges faced by journalists.
According to her, media professionals in Abuja operate under intense conditions, including tight deadlines, late-night assignments, security threats and the constant battle against fake news.
“We work late into the night to break news. We face danger to report the truth. We deal with angry leaders, fake news and tight deadlines. All this builds up stress that can make us tired, sad or even sick,” she said.
She explained that the health walk was not only about physical fitness but also aimed at providing journalists an opportunity to relax, interact and support one another while promoting mental wellness.
“We must be alive for that story to be heard or read,” Ike stated.
The NUJ FCT Chairman encouraged journalists to make mental health care a priority through adequate rest, proper hydration, counselling and participation in wellness activities.
She also appealed to media organisations and stakeholders to create safer work environments and provide counselling services and improved welfare packages for journalists.
Ike commended members of the Press Week Organising Committee for successfully coordinating the event and appreciated sponsors and participants for supporting the initiative.
Earlier, former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rotn. Evelyn Onyilo, praised the NUJ FCT Council under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike for organising the health walk as part of activities marking the 2026 Press Week.
Onyilo urged journalists in the FCT to prioritise their health and well-being despite the demanding nature of the profession.
She also commended the Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Comrade Obas Esiedesa, and members of the committee for successfully coordinating the activities.
Speaking further, Esiedesa applauded the NUJ FCT Council and committee members for their dedication towards organising the week-long activities.
He highlighted activities lined up for the Press Week, including the free medical outreach held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and the health walk focused on mental health awareness.
Esiedesa encouraged journalists to prioritise their health and well-being despite the challenges associated with the profession.
The NUJ FCT Press Week continue with activities aimed at promoting professionalism, unity and welfare among journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.
