The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, conducted the second round of free medical outreach for journalists in the nation’s capital, Abuja, over the weekend.
The event, held as part of activities to mark the NUJ FCT 2025 Press Week, with a theme: “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.”
brought together more than 250 journalists across the FCT.
Speaking at the event, the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, urged journalists to remain steadfast in promoting press freedom, media excellence, and democratic values.
She emphasised that journalists should also prioritise their own well-being, stating that a healthy journalist is better equipped to advocate for truth and accountability.
“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; to hold power accountable; and to serve society with truth and integrity.
“Yet, journalism is not without its challenges—both professional and personal. This outreach recognises that our health is paramount to carrying out this vital mission effectively,” Ike stated.
She lauded the hospital for its commitment to providing quality healthcare and the ongoing partnership with the union, which benefits the welfare of journalists.
Ike recalled that a previous outreach provided comprehensive medical services to over 300 journalists, noting that the current partnership would further raise health awareness among journalists.
“We sincerely appreciate Nizamiye Hospital’s generosity, expertise, and dedication to supporting the media community. Their efforts in extending quality medical services to thousands across Nigeria echo the solidarity we cherish between our professions,” Ike added.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, advised journalists to always go for regular medical checkups, especially as they age.
“After 40 the age of, you must check at least twice a year. Regular checks help us detect issues before it’s too late. Many people have high blood pressure or blood sugar problems without knowing it,” he said.
Abubakar said the hospital would maintain its partnership with NUJ FCT and continue to offer support. The outreach covered general medical checkups, eye exams, and cardiac care. The hospital also disclosed that it would provide free eye surgery for journalists diagnosed with cataracts.
“Most of the patients need reading glasses. For those with cataracts, we have promised to carry out surgeries free of charge,” he assured.
A former NUJ FCT council chairman, Malachi Uzendu, commended both the council and Nizamiye Hospital for the initiative, describing it as a much-needed show of support for one of the most stressed professions.
“Journalists are the most stressed set of professionals you can find; therefore, what is happening here is wonderful. It is more than being humanistic and passionate about life,” Uzendu said.
Basset Ita-Ikpang, chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT, commended the outreach, saying it was the first time such extensive healthcare had been brought directly to journalists.“It is common knowledge that we journalists do not have time to go for a health check. Only with regular checkups can an ailment be detected early and treated promptly,” she said.
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