NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital Conduct Second Medical Outreach for Over 250 Journalists
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, has successfully conducted its second free medical outreach for journalists in Abuja.
The outreach, held as part of activities marking the 2025 Press Week, brought together more than 250 journalists from across the FCT and underscored the union’s commitment to both professional excellence and the health of media practitioners.
Speaking during the event, NUJ FCT Council Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, urged journalists to remain resolute in championing press freedom, democratic values, andt media excellence. She also emphasized the importance of journalists prioritizing their health, noting that a healthy journalist is more effective in holding power to account.
“In a time when journalism continues to evolve amidst technological innovations and societal shifts, our responsibility remains the same: to uphold press freedom, serve with integrity, and remain the voice of the people. But we cannot do this if we neglect our well-being,” she said.
The medical outreach was a highlight of the 2025 Press Week, themed “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society.” Ms. Ike commended Nizamiye Hospital for its ongoing partnership with the NUJ and its unwavering commitment to quality healthcare.
She noted that a similar outreach last year served over 300 journalists, and the renewed collaboration would further enhance health awareness and preventive care among media professionals.
“We deeply appreciate Nizamiye Hospital’s generosity, expertise, and dedication to the media community. Their efforts reflect the solidarity between our professions,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital, Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Nizamiye Hospital, encouraged journalists—particularly those above 40—to undergo regular medical checkups.
“After the age of 40, everyone should have at least two health checkups a year. Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure or diabetes until complications arise,” he warned.
Abubakar revealed that the outreach included general health screenings, eye examinations, and cardiac assessments. He also announced that the hospital would provide free cataract surgeries for journalists diagnosed during the program.
“Most participants needed reading glasses, and for those found to have cataracts, we have pledged to carry out surgeries at no cost,” he said.
Former NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Mr. Malachi Uzendu, lauded both the union and Nizamiye Hospital for prioritizing the well-being of journalists, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
“Journalists are among the most stressed professionals in the country. What is being done here is more than kind—it’s vital,” he said, urging his colleagues to adopt regular medical checkups as part of their lifestyle.
In a similar vein, Basset Ita-Ikpang, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT, praised the outreach for bringing comprehensive healthcare directly to journalists.
“As journalists, we often neglect our health due to the demands of our work. Initiatives like this ensure early detection and timely treatment of ailments,” she remarked.
This year’s Press Week theme, “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, and Society,” reflects the evolving challenges and responsibilities faced by the profession today, while initiatives like this underscore the need for a holistic approach to supporting journalists—both professionally and personally.
