NUJ FCT urges journalists to prioritise mental health

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged journalists in the Federal Capital Territory to prioritise their mental health amid increasing pressure associated with the profession. Speaking during the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week Health Walk in Abuja, Ike said the theme of the exercise, “Mental Health […]

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged journalists in the Federal Capital Territory to prioritise their mental health amid increasing pressure associated with the profession.
Speaking during the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week Health Walk in Abuja, Ike said the theme of the exercise, “Mental Health and Stress Management in High-Pressure Work Environments,” reflects the daily realities faced by media professionals.
According to her, journalists in Abuja constantly work under intense pressure, ranging from tight deadlines and late-night assignments to security risks and the challenge of combating fake news.
“We work late into the night to break the news. We face danger to report the truth. We deal with angry leaders, fake news and tight deadlines. All these build up stress that can make us tired, sad or even sick,” she said.
Ike explained that the health walk was beyond physical exercise, describing it as an avenue for journalists to relax, interact and support one another while promoting mental wellness.

“We must be alive for that story to be heard or read,” she stated, urging journalists to prioritise adequate rest, hydration, counselling and participation in wellness activities.

She also called on media organisations and leaders to provide safer workspaces, counselling services and improved welfare packages for journalists.

Earlier, former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended the NUJ FCT Council under the leadership of Grace Ike for organising the health walk as part of activities marking the 2026 Press Week.

Onyilo urged journalists in the FCT to prioritise their health and well-being despite the demands of the profession.