The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, has commenced activities for the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week with a free medical outreach for journalists in Abuja.
The outreach, held on Saturday at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako, attracted scores of journalists who received free medical screenings, consultations, and medications from healthcare personnel deployed by the hospital.
The exercise, described by many beneficiaries as timely and life-saving, formed part of efforts to promote the wellbeing of media professionals and encourage regular health checks among journalists.
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Members of the Council expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that access to healthcare remains essential to enhancing productivity and ensuring journalists continue to serve society effectively.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, who monitored the exercise, urged journalists to take their health seriously and make good use of the opportunity to know their medical status.
She reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to programmes that support the welfare and professional development of members.
Dr Uzochukwu Chetachi of Nizamiye Hospital said the medical team was fully prepared to provide general medical consultations and free drugs for journalists during the outreach.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen collaboration between the hospital and the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, adding that she hoped the programme would become a continuous partnership aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of media professionals.
Beneficiaries also commended Nizamiye Hospital for bringing healthcare services closer to journalists, describing the intervention as impactful and beneficial to early medical detection and treatment.
The medical outreach marks the beginning of a week-long series of activities for the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week themed “2027 Election: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Age of Disinformation”.
Other activities lined up for the week include a “Walk for Mental Health” on Monday, May 18, as well as a Public Lecture and Awards Day on Tuesday, May 19, where media professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders are expected to examine the role of the media in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The week-long programme will also feature a Secondary School Press Club Quiz Competition on Thursday, May 21, and a grand finale on Friday, May 22, at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako.
The 2026 Press Week is expected to celebrate outstanding journalists and distinguished Nigerians who have contributed to national development, media professionalism, and democratic growth.
