Over 250 Abuja Journalists Benefit As NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital Hold Second Free Medical Outreach To Mark Press Week 2025
More than 250 journalists in the Federal Capital Territory have received free health checks, courtesy of a partnership between the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council and Nizamiye Hospital.
The second edition of the medical outreach, held as part of activities for the 2025 Press Week, provided general consultations, cardiac assessments, eye screenings and even promised free cataract surgeries for those in need.
Speaking at the event, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, emphasised that while journalists tirelessly uphold press freedom and accountability, their own health must not be sidelined.
> “A healthy journalist is a more effective advocate for truth. This outreach reminds us that we must take care of ourselves to serve society better,” she said.
The outreach ties into this year’s Press Week theme: “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, and Society”—a reflection of the evolving challenges facing the profession in a tech-driven age.
Ms. Ike hailed Nizamiye Hospital for its ongoing support, noting that the first edition benefited over 300 journalists and helped raise awareness of common but often overlooked health concerns in the media sector.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, echoed that sentiment, urging journalists—especially those over 40—to prioritise regular medical checks.
> “Many people walk around with high blood pressure or diabetes without knowing. A check-up every six months can make all the difference,” he advised.
Abubakar also revealed that most participants required reading glasses and some were diagnosed with cataracts, for which the hospital has offered free surgeries.
Veteran journalist and former NUJ FCT Chair, Mr. Malachi Uzendu, described the initiative as “more than humanitarian” and urged his colleagues to take their health seriously, given the stressful nature of their work.
FCT Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Basset Ita-Ikpang, said the outreach was the most extensive health intervention ever directly targeted at journalists in the territory.
> “It’s well known that journalists rarely make time for hospital visits. Initiatives like this are lifesaving,” she added.
With this second round of outreach, the NUJ FCT Council continues to set the pace in ensuring that those who report on society’s health are also cared for.
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