As part of activities marking the 2025 Press Week, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, has conducted its second free medical outreach for journalists in Abuja, reaching over 250 beneficiaries.
The outreach, held under the theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society”, provided comprehensive health screenings including general checkups, eye examinations, and cardiac assessments.
Addressing participants at the event, NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, emphasized the importance of health in the journalism profession, noting that a healthy journalist is better positioned to promote truth, accountability, and democratic values.
“In a time when journalism continuously evolves amid new technologies and societal shifts, our responsibility remains clear: to uphold press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and to serve society with truth and integrity. But to do so effectively, our health must come first,” she stated.
Ms. Ike commended Nizamiye Hospital for its unwavering support and recalled that a previous outreach by the hospital benefited over 300 journalists. She lauded the hospital’s generosity and its dedication to improving journalists’ welfare.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, advised journalists to prioritize regular medical checkups, particularly for early detection of silent conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
“After 40, you should check your health at least twice a year. Many walk around with undiagnosed conditions. We are committed to helping you detect and address them early,” Abubakar said.
He disclosed that the hospital would offer free eye surgeries to journalists diagnosed with cataracts during the outreach and noted that a significant number needed reading glasses.
Former NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Mr. Malachi Uzendu, praised the initiative as timely and necessary, describing journalists as some of the most stressed professionals.
“Journalists are among the most stressed workers in the world. This effort is commendable it shows genuine concern for our profession,” Uzendu remarked.
Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, Basset Ita-Ikpang, also commended the outreach, described it as unprecedented in scale and impact.
“It is common knowledge that journalists rarely find time to visit hospitals. Only regular checkups can ensure early diagnosis and treatment,” she said.
The outreach reaffirmed the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to not only professional development but also the overall welfare of its members.
