NUJ FCT Chairman urges journalists to prioritise mental health amid growing work pressure

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on journalists in the Federal Capital Territory to pay greater attention to their mental health amid the increasing pressure associated with media practice.

Grace Ike made the call during the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week Health Walk held in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking at the event, the NUJ FCT chairman explained that the theme of the health walk, “Mental Health and Stress Management in High-Pressure Work Environments,” reflects the daily experiences and challenges faced by journalists in the line of duty.

According to her, journalists often operate under intense pressure, including tight deadlines, late-night assignments, exposure to dangerous situations, and the constant battle against misinformation and fake news.

“We work late into the night to break news. We face danger to report the truth. We deal with angry leaders, fake news and tight deadlines. All this builds up stress that can make us tired, sad or even sick,” she said.

Grace Ike stressed that the health walk was not just about physical fitness but also served as an opportunity for journalists to relax, interact, and support one another while promoting mental wellness.

She reminded media professionals that maintaining good mental health is essential to effectively carrying out their responsibilities.

“We must be alive for that story to be heard or read,” she added while encouraging journalists to embrace healthy lifestyles through adequate rest, hydration, counseling, and participation in wellness activities.

The NUJ FCT chairman also urged media organisations and industry leaders to create safer working environments and improve welfare packages for journalists.

She called for increased access to counseling services and better support systems to help media practitioners manage stress and emotional pressure linked to the profession.

Grace Ike further commended members of the Press Week Organising Committee for successfully coordinating the activities lined up for the 2026 Press Week.

She also appreciated sponsors, journalists, and participants for supporting the initiative aimed at promoting the welfare of media professionals.

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

Onyilo encouraged journalists in Abuja to prioritise their health and personal well-being despite the demanding nature of journalism.

She also applauded the Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Comrade Obas Esiedesa, alongside other committee members, for what she described as a successful coordination of the week-long activities.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Comrade Obas Esiedesa, commended the NUJ FCT Council and committee members for their commitment and teamwork.

Esiedesa highlighted some of the major activities scheduled for the Press Week, including the free medical outreach held on May 16, 2026, as well as the mental health awareness walk.

He encouraged journalists to take their physical and mental health seriously while balancing the demands of the profession.

The 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week continues with several activities focused on promoting professionalism, unity, welfare, and capacity development among journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.