By Queen Kunde
Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday received free medical consultations and health screenings as the Nigeria Union of Journalists partnered with Nizamiye Hospital to kick off its 2026 Press Week with a health outreach programme in Abuja.
The exercise, held as part of activities marking the annual Press Week, focused on improving the health and wellbeing of journalists who often work under pressure and demanding conditions.
Speaking during the outreach, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, urged journalists to pay more attention to their health while carrying out their duties.
She said many media practitioners spend their time serving society and informing the public while neglecting their personal wellbeing.
“A healthy journalist is better equipped to serve society with excellence,” she said.
Ike commended Nizamiye Hospital for supporting journalists through the initiative, stressing that regular medical checkups are important for professionals working in stressful environments.
A representative of the hospital, Uzochukwu Chetachi, said the outreach provided journalists with free consultations, medical examinations, and professional health advice.
She explained that specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, general practice, pharmacy, laboratory services, and nursing took part in the exercise.
According to the medical team, journalists diagnosed with serious health conditions during the screening would be referred to specialists for further treatment.
The medical outreach also marked the opening of the NUJ FCT Council’s 2026 Press Week themed, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”
Addressing journalists at the opening ceremony, Ike called on media practitioners across the country to uphold ethical journalism and resist fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She warned that the spread of misinformation and propaganda remains a major 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.
Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Obas Esiedesa, said the week-long programme would feature discussions and training sessions on media safety, journalism ethics, and public interest reporting.
He thanked partners and members of the planning committee for supporting the event.