The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, says the upcoming 2025 Press Week will mark a significant departure from the usual routine.
In an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria, Ike emphasized that the Council is now more intentional about its activities, aiming to reshape public perception of the media.
“We’ve gotten to a point where we’re no longer doing activities just for the sake of it. We’re stepping into the media space with purpose, letting people know that we are changing the narrative,” she stated.
“It is no longer business as usual and in the course of this programme, we hope to see changes at the council level in terms of infrastructural development.
Read More:Nigerian Army Hosts Medical Outreach for Sokoto Community
That is one big area , we are yearning towards and we know that with Mr. Project, the Honourable Minister of the Federal capital Territory, Mr Nyesome Wike present, it will go a long way to see that the yearnings and cries of journalists, particularly FCT is given adequate attention,” She expressed the hope.
Outlining activities for the this 2025 press week, Ike said it kick-started on Friday with jummat prayers.
“We went to the mosque, My vice chairman, led the team to go to the mosque to , give Allah praises for how far we have come and to also seek his blessings, while we embark on this remaining five days for the press week,”
“ Today is Saturday is medical outreach. We also felt it is necessary for us to come up with a medical outreach for our members. For me it is paramount, We are always chasing the story. We are always the frontline workers in the quest for truth, justice, national development but we barely have time for ourselves,”
She appreciated Nizamiye Hospital for partnering with the Council for the outreach saying “This is the second one we are having with the esteemed Nizamiye hospital, we found favour and they decided to embark on this for us. They also billed two persons for medical eye surgery,”
Ike said on Sunday, there will be a Church Service “ to say thank you to God for how far we’ve come and we ask for more blessings going forward,”
The Chairman said the 2025 Press Week theme, “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media,Democracy and the Society” is centered on journalists in an evolving world and what they face.
She added that on Monday, Journalists will “Walk for Press Freedom” promoting ethical journalism.
“Despite the challenges, we’ll continue to reclaim the civic space. Despite the harassment, despite the intimidation, we’ll remain strong to ensure that we carry out our duties,”
While declaring zero tolerance for false publications, and clamouring for press freedom, Ike cautioned:
“so while we are doing your story, it must be balanced, your story must be such that you do not misinform the public, so that we can write without any intimidation, censorship and carry out our duties effectively. But I also tell my people, while you clamour for press freedom, you must write and do it responsibly because journalism without responsibility is a no-no for me”
She stated that the climax of the Press Week will be a Public Lecture, slated for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to be graced , by high profile dignitaries.
“ The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abas Tajudeen PhD is expected to be the Guest Speaker. The Chairman of Occasion, former Governor of Nassarawa State, Tanko Almakkura. We are also expecting the First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the wife of the President, Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu. So, the programme is well-packaged and packed,”
Rounding off with optimism, She Congratulated all Journalists in the FCT and appreciated Transcorp Hilton Hotel for partnering with the Council in hosting the public lecture.
“ I also want to say thank you to Transcorp Hilton for partnering with NUJ, for giving us that place free. I’m happy that we also have sponsors who have decided to identify with the union. So, it’s a step in the right direction and a welcome development. I want to say congratulations to members of NUJ FCT, Abuja “ She rounded off.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Medical Director of the Nizamiye Hospital, Dr Nurullo Sadikov says the Medical Outreach collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists, FCT, is one of the social responsibility projects of the hospital.
“With this outreach programme we want to prevent chronic diseases and then we want to manage the acute problems at the moment.”
Sadikov added that it want to also give the awareness to the community about the sickness and prevention of diseases.
“…as a journalist all have mostly, at the moment what we are seeing, they have the eye problems because of so much reading and writing. So they have to escape and save their eyes,”
He cautioned Journalists on the needs for healthy living and diet
“Every time, every day working, walking , healthy, working skills we are advising; better to prevent the diseases than treat it,” He advised.
General Practitioner, Dr. Elyon Wodung also advised Journalists on regular medical check-ups.
“despite the fact that your job can be quite demanding and all. Coming in for medical check-ups and regular follow-ups and all that will be very good and beneficial to all of them.” He charged
A Former Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Paul Ella Abechi commended the organisers of the outreach, saying “It’s a legacy that will be remembered and should continue,”
Emilia Ohuabunwa, a participant, adjudged the outreach as a very laudable.
“Its very laudable for the fact that they went out to bring a reputable foreign medical team, with high quality drugs, equipment and staff who listened and attended to us patiently,” she commended.
The NUJ FCT Council, 2025 Press Week which commenced on Friday, July 18th will run until July 25th 2025.