The exercise, held on Wednesday, at the NUJ Press Centre, Abakaliki, featured checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, hepatitis, HIV, malaria, eye and dental health, among other medical services.
Speaking during an interview, the NUJ Ebonyi State Council Chairman, Comrade Sampson Nwafor, said the initiative was designed to help journalists maintain good health, noting that the demanding nature of journalism often leaves practitioners with little or no time for routine medical check-ups. He said the council had sustained the programme because early detection of health challenges could help members remain fit for professional duties.
Nwafor ,also said that the council collaborated with the Medical Women Association and the Association of Dental Therapists of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, to provide the services, adding that members requiring further medical attention would receive necessary referrals and follow-ups. He also disclosed that discussions were ongoing towards integrating journalists, including those outside state government employment, into the state health insurance scheme.
He further urged journalists who had been diagnosed with health conditions to regularly visit health facilities and adhere to prescribed treatment, stressing that the council would continue to consolidate the initiative and expand the range of medical services provided during future Press Weeks.
Earlier, the representative of Medical Women Association and the Association of Dental Therapists of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, Mrs Deborah Uchenna expressed their readiness to support journalists in maintaining good health as they carry out their routine professional assignments. They encouraged them to prioritise regular health checks and cautioned against improper tooth-brushing practices and the use of medically unsuitable toothpaste. They also advised the NUJ members living with health conditions to adhere strictly to medications prescribed by qualified medical practitioners and undergo regular medical examinations to safeguard their wellbeing.
Meanwhile, the Financial Secretary of the Council and Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Committee, Comrade Israel Ekene Mbam, described this year's Press Week as unique, citing the medical screening, prayer summit and inspection of major government projects as notable features.
Mbam said the project inspection enabled journalists to physically assess government projects before reporting them, while the prayer summit provided an opportunity for members to seek spiritual guidance ahead of forthcoming activities and elections. He also announced that a customised ceremonial uniform would be unveiled at the Press Week grand finale.
Also, the NUJ Zonal Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel I. Irem, commended the council for sustaining the medical programme, recalling in testimony that he participated in last year's exercise and subsequently acted on a dental recommendation. He said the follow-up treatment revealed a dental problem that required attention, for which he spent some amount of money on.
Similarly, NUJ Secretary, Dr Chinaza Perculia John, commended the inclusion of eye and dental examinations this year, noting that journalists spend considerable time on laptops and other digital devices while performing their duties. She said that this year's Press Week also provided an opportunity for journalists to assess their professional performance and identify areas requiring improvement, particularly ahead of elections.
Also speaking, the 2026 Press Week Secretary, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, praised the council leadership and members for making the programme successful and urged journalists across the state to participate in the grand finale, stressing that the event was designed not only for entertainment but also for professional assessment, interaction and members' wellbeing.
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