Ms Grace Ike, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has urged journalists to prioritize their wellness and mental health amid the tight demands of the profession.
Ike made the call on Monday in Abuja during a 10km Health Walk organized by the council as part of the activities of the NUJ FCT 2026 Press Week.
The theme of the walk is “Mental Health and Stress Management in High-Pressure Work Environments.”
Ike noted that the peculiar nature of journalism, especially in the nation’s capital, exposes media practitioners to extreme stress, which could lead to severe health complications if left unchecked.
”We all know the challenges of being journalists in Abuja. We work late into the night to break news, face danger to report the truth, and deal with angry leaders, fake news, and tight deadlines.
”All this builds up stress that can make us tired, sad, or even sick. Our minds and bodies need care, just like our stories need facts. We must be alive for that story to be heard or read,” Ike said.
She explained that the walk, which took off from the Julius Berger roundabout to the council office, was not merely an exercise session but a strategic initiative to help journalists clear their heads, build physical resilience, and foster peer support.
Ike advised union members to take proactive steps in managing burnout by adopting simple, daily wellness routines.
”Make mental health a habit. Take short breaks during work. Talk to a friend or counsellor if stress feels too heavy. Drink water, sleep well, and join events like this,” she advised.
Ike assured members that the council would continue to advocate for better working conditions, stating, “We will push our leaders and media houses to give us time off, counselling services, and safe workspaces.”
She commended the Press Week Organizing Committee, sponsors, and journalists who turned out in large numbers for the exercise, noting that their participation demonstrated unity and a shared commitment to collective well-being.
The Press Week is apt, in terms of fostering togetherness among members of the Union members from across various chapters of the NUJ-FCT.
It also provides opportunities for the Union to appreciate their contributions to nation building through its agenda setting role.
This, according to him, has become important as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Health Walk is part of a week-long lineup of activities for the 2026 Press Week, which commenced with a Medical Outreach on Saturday, May 16.
According to the council’s schedule, the Press Week Lecture and Awards ceremony will hold on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Other activities include a Secondary School Quiz competition on Thursday, and the Grand Finale on Friday at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako. (NAN)
