The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, has conducted a second round of free medical outreach for journalists in Abuja as part of activities to mark the 2025 Press Week.
Over 250 journalists participated in the health program, which featured general medical checkups, eye exams, and cardiac screenings. Free eye surgeries were also promised for those diagnosed with cataracts.
NUJ FCT Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, urged journalists to prioritise their health while continuing to uphold press freedom and democratic values. “A healthy journalist is better positioned to defend truth and accountability,” she said.
She commended Nizamiye Hospital for its ongoing support and commitment to journalists’ welfare, recalling that a previous outreach catered to over 300 media professionals.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy COO of the hospital, advised regular checkups, especially for those over 40. “Many walk around with undetected conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes,” he noted.
Former NUJ FCT Chairman, Malachi Uzendu, and NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Basset Ita-Ikpang, both praised the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary given the stressful nature of journalism.
