By Christiana Ekpa
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on journalists to take their mental health seriously amid increasing pressure associated with the profession.
Speaking during the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week Health Walk held in Abuja on Monday, 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 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.
She stressed 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,” Ike stated, urging journalists to make mental health care a regular habit through adequate rest, hydration, counseling and participation in wellness activities.
The NUJ FCT Chairman also called on media organisations and leaders to provide safer workspaces, counseling services and better welfare packages 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, commended the NUJ FCT Council under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike for organising the health walk as part of activities marking the 2026 Press Week.
Onyilo urged journalists in the Federal Capital Territory to prioritise their health and well-being despite the demands of the profession.
She also applauded the Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Comrade Obas Esiedesa, alongside committee members, for what she described as a job well done in coordinating the activities successfully.
