NUJ FCT Council Champions Wellness with Health Walk in Abuja

Comrade Grace Ike, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, responding to questions from the Press earlier today during the Union's Health Walk
Photo: True Verdict Magazine

NUJ FCT Council Champions Wellness with Health Walk in Abuja

·     Journalists unite in the Federal Capital Territory to promote fitness, solidarity, and resilience in the profession.  

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, staged its Health Walk earlier today in Abuja, transforming the city’s streets into a lively parade of energy, camaraderie, and purpose.

Members of the press, often burdened by the demands of deadlines and the pressures of the newsroom, stepped out together to emphasize the importance of wellness in sustaining both body and mind.  

A Cross-section of Journalists at the NUJ FCT Council Health Walk Earlier Today

The walk began at the Julius Berger Roundabout with a spirited assembly of journalists dressed in sportswear and NUJ branded T-shirts, their enthusiasm palpable as they set off on the route. Conversations flowed easily, laughter punctuated the rhythm of footsteps, and the collective mood was one of determination and joy.

The Council’s leadership headed by the Chairman, Grace Ike underscored the significance of the event, reminding participants that a healthy lifestyle is not a luxury but a necessity for those whose work requires sharpness, resilience, and stamina.  

In her remarks, she noted that the profession is one of the most demanding, often requiring long hours, constant deadlines, and exposure to stressful situations. These pressures, she explained, can take a toll on both the body and the mind if not properly managed. 

 

Grace Ike urged her colleagues to see wellness as a collective responsibility, stressing that journalists must prioritize self-care in order to remain effective in their work. She highlighted the union’s commitment to creating platforms that promote both physical activity and mental resilience, pointing out that initiatives like the Health Walk are designed to remind members that their well-being is central to their productivity.  

She also spoke about the symbolic nature of the walk, describing it as a demonstration of unity and solidarity within the profession.

According to her, when journalists come together in such activities, they not only strengthen their bonds but also send a message to society that mental wellness is a vital issue deserving of attention.

Comrade Grace Ike concluded by reaffirming the NUJ FCT Council’s dedication to supporting its members, promising that more programs would be introduced to sustain the momentum of wellness advocacy.  

Her response captured the essence of the day: a call to action for journalists to embrace healthier lifestyles, safeguard their mental health, and recognize that a strong press begins with strong individuals.

Beyond the physical exercise, the Health Walk which terminated at the Council/s office in Utako carried symbolic weight. It was a demonstration of unity within the profession, a reminder that journalists are not only chroniclers of society’s stories but also members of a community that thrives when it looks after its own. Informal exchanges during the walk strengthened bonds, while the shared experience reinforced the NUJ’s vision of a healthier, more connected press corps in Nigeria’s capital.