The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Voice of Nigeria (VON) Chapel, has commenced a week-long medical outreach aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving the well-being of journalists and other media professionals.
The outreach, organised in partnership with Saso Group of Companies and Jagreen Community Development Project and other organisations, began at the Voice of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja with free medical screening, eye examinations, mental health support, nutrition counselling and wellness services.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the NUJ-VON Chapel, Mrs Feyi Oyebanji, said the initiative was designed to encourage journalists to prioritise their health while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
She said the programme was expanded following positive feedback from participants in last year’s outreach, adding that this year’s edition was opened to members of the public to promote preventive healthcare.
According to her, journalists often neglect routine medical examinations due to the demands of the profession, making regular health checks essential.
The representative of the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Abdulkarim Danladi, commended the initiative, describing it as a commendable effort to promote staff welfare and healthy living.
He reaffirmed the management’s support for programmes that enhance the health and productivity of employees.
Earlier, the representative of the Jagreen Community Development Project Joy Omoike said the partnership was aimed at creating healthier workplaces and communities through preventive healthcare and environmental sustainability.
She said participants would benefit from comprehensive body organ screening, eye examinations, wellness counselling and other health services during the outreach.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, commended the VON Chapel for prioritising journalists’ welfare.
She urged media professionals to take advantage of the free medical services, stressing that routine health checks were vital to preventing life-threatening illnesses.
She said, “A healthy journalist is better equipped to serve the public and contribute to national development.”
The week-long outreach also features health talks, fitness awareness sessions and other wellness activities aimed at promoting healthier, more preventive lifestyles among journalists and members of the public.
