Press Week : Nizamiye Hospital Offers Free Medical Checks For NUJ Members

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, were full of gratitude and excitement on Saturday as a team of medical personnel from Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja stormed the NUJ Secretariat in Utako for a free medical outreach organised as part of activities marking the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week.

The outreach, which commenced early in the morning, saw many journalists undergoing free medical checks and consultations conducted by a dozen healthcare workers deployed by the hospital, in what many members described as a life-saving corporate social responsibility initiative.

Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who was on ground to supervise the exercise, urged journalists to take advantage of the opportunity to know their health status and prioritise their wellbeing.

The atmosphere at the Council Secretariat was filled with appreciation as members poured encomiums and prayers on the chairman for what they described as uncommon leadership focused on members’ welfare, healthcare, and wellbeing.

One of the members, Uloma Peace Okorie, described the initiative as divine,
“All I see is Grace of God on NUJ FCT, for God has visited us in the likeness of a human being, using Grace Ike as a vessel to touch lives in so many ways. Saving lives of our members and families via medical outreach is the bomb.”

Another member, Ohuabunwa Emilia Ochoma showered praises on the NUJ chairman, declaring:
“I dey hail you. A Chairman who has shown and demonstrated that the health and welfare of members is her number one priority. God bless Grace Ike. Of a truth, nwannem ibu ikediegwu. Carry goooooo.”

Also reacting, China Vivian James commended the leadership style of the chairman. “Thank you for your dedication and commitment towards making this year’s Press Week a success. Your efforts and leadership are truly commendable.”

For Sulaiman Muhammad , the outreach reflected compassionate leadership and concern for members. He prayed:
“May Almighty Allah strengthen you to do more, our able Chairman. Amen.”

As journalists continue to troop into the Secretariat for the ongoing medical outreach, many beneficiaries say the initiative has once again demonstrated that leadership is not merely about occupying office, but about touching lives, restoring hope, and building a healthier and more united journalism community.

Many of the respondents also expressed deep appreciation to Nizamiye Hospital for bringing healthcare services directly to journalists at no cost, describing the initiative as timely, impactful, and capable of saving lives through early medical detection and professional consultations.

The medical outreach marks the beginning of a week-long series of activities lined up for the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week themed: “2027 Election: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Age of Disinformation.”

Other activities scheduled for the week include the “Walk for Mental Health” slated for Monday, May 18.

The Council will also host a Public Lecture and Awards Day on Tuesday, May 19, where top dignitaries, media executives, political leaders, and stakeholders are expected to discuss the role of the media in protecting Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

The event is expected to feature notable personalities including Governor Mohammed Bago as Chairman of the lecture, while former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje will serve as Co-Chairman. Former House of Representatives member Ndudi Elumelu is also expected to deliver the keynote address.

Other activities lined up include a Secondary School Press Club Quiz Competition on Thursday, May 21, while the Grand Finale/Jean Party on Friday, May 22, at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako.

The 2026 Press Week is also expected to honour outstanding journalists and distinguished Nigerians who have contributed immensely to national development, professionalism, and democratic growth.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji