Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday received free medical consultations and health screening as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, organised a medical outreach to mark the 2026 Press Week.
The outreach in Abuja was designed to promote the health and welfare of journalists, many of whom work under great pressure and difficult conditions.
Comrade Grace Ike, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, said during a speech at the exercise that personal health should be of utmost significance in the discharge of professional obligations.
Journalists often give their lives to enlightening the public, benefiting society at the expense of their own well-being, she said.
“Healthy journalists are in a better position to serve society with excellence,” Ike said.
The initiative to help journalists was supported by Nizamiye Hospital, which she thanked, adding that regular medical checkups were necessary for professionals working under enormous pressure.
Dr Uzochukwu Chetachi of the hospital represented the outreach, which was aimed at giving journalists free medical consultations, examinations and expert health advice.
She said the exercise involved professionals in cardiology, ophthalmology, general practice, pharmacy, laboratory services and nursing.
She stated that anyone found to have major health concerns during the examinations would be sent to the right specialists for further treatment and management.
The outreach was to mark the launch of the NUJ FCT Council’s 2026 Press Week with the subject, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ike called on media practitioners across the country to advance ethical journalism and combat the growing menace of false news ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She cautioned that disinformation and propaganda are grave risks to democracy and national stability.
“The press has a sacred duty to protect truth, defend accountability and preserve the integrity of our democracy process,” she noted.
Ike also urged on media to be professional, accurate and objective in their reports as the country prepares for yet another political cycle.
Chairman, 2026 Press Week, Mr. Obas Esiedesa, said the week-long programme would comprise debates and capacity building sessions on media safety, journalism ethics and public interest reporting.
He also thanked partners and members of the planning committee for contributing to the success of the event.
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