NUJ FCT Chairman Urges Journalists to Prioritise Mental Health Amid Rising Workplace Pressure

By Iyojo Ameh

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, has called on journalists in the Federal Capital Territory to pay closer attention to their mental health amid increasing workplace pressure and professional demands.

Speaking during the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week Health Walk held in Abuja on Monday, Ike said the theme of the event, “Mental Health and Stress Management in High-Pressure Work Environments,” reflects the everyday realities confronting media professionals.

According to her, journalists frequently operate under intense conditions, including tight deadlines, late-night assignments, exposure to security risks, and the growing challenge of combating fake news and misinformation.

“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.

Ike explained that the health walk was not merely about physical fitness but also designed to provide journalists with an opportunity 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 adopt healthy habits such as adequate rest, hydration, counseling, and participation in wellness activities.

The NUJ FCT Chairman also appealed to media organisations and industry leaders to create safer work environments and provide better welfare packages and counseling support services for journalists.

She commended members of the Press Week Organising Committee for successfully coordinating the event and appreciated sponsors and participants for supporting the initiative.

Earlier, former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rotn. Evelyn Onyilo, praised the NUJ FCT Council under Grace Ike’s leadership 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 pressures associated with the profession.
She also commended the Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Comrade Obas Esiedesa, and committee members for what she described as a successful coordination of the week-long activities.

Speaking further, Esiedesa applauded the NUJ FCT Council and committee members for their dedication and commitment towards ensuring the success of the programme.

He highlighted some of the activities lined up for the Press Week, including a free medical outreach held on May 16, 2026, and the health walk focused on mental health awareness.
Esiedesa encouraged journalists to continue prioritising their health despite the demanding nature of media work.

The NUJ FCT Press Week continues with several activities aimed at promoting professionalism, unity, and the welfare of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.