The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has organized free medical care for her members as part of activities to mark the 2025 Press Week.
The free medicare benefitted not less than 100 Media practitioners in the State.
The Union organized the free medical care in partnership with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, and the Nigeria Dental Therapists Association (NDTA), Ebonyi State Chapter.
The event took place on Tuesday,
at the Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki.
Some of the free medical services offered to the beneficiaries included blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, hepatitis and HIV screening, dental assessments and treatment, weight and height monitoring, breast cancer screening, health talks and general health consultations, etc.
Chairman of the NUJ Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Samson Nwafor, said the initiative stemmed from the union’s recognition of the vital role that good health plays in both professional efficiency and personal wellbeing.
“Our job as journalists is demanding, and many of us neglect regular health checks due to our busy schedules. This medical inreach is a deliberate effort to encourage our members to prioritise their health,” he said.
“We sincerely appreciate our partners, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and the Dental Therapists for their commitment and support,” he added.
Chairman of NDTA Ebonyi Chapter, Mr Samuel Uwaoma Nwafor, while delivering health talks on oral hygiene, emphasized the importance of proper dental care, the use of fluoride toothpaste, and the dangers of untreated dental infections.
“A clean mouth is the gateway to a healthy life. Dental neglect can lead to systemic health issues. We advise brushing twice daily, practicing proper oral hygiene, and making regular dental visits,” he advised.
Chief Dental Therapist, Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Mrs Ngozi Eze also educated participants on cleft lip and palate deformities, noting that the condition is treatable and not a spiritual issue, as often believed by some people.
She announced that free corrective surgeries are available at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).
President of the MWAN Ebonyi Chapter, Dr. Lilian Nwobashi while addressing the gathering, noted that the outreach aligned with October’s global campaign on breast and cervical cancer awareness.
She encouraged regular screening and proactive health practices.
“We always tell women to perform self-breast examination and go for screenings. But men should also know they are not exempted from breast cancer. Prevention and early detection save lives,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr. Nneka Nweke, a consultant general surgeon and breast cancer specialist, corroborated the position of Dr Nwobashi, stressing that both men and women should take breast health seriously.
“Men can also get breast cancer, although it’s less common. Everyone should be vigilant and conduct regular self-examinations,” she advised.
Chairperson of the NUJ Medical inreach sub-committee, Mrs. Fortunate Ozo, commended the participating health professionals and described the outreach as “timely and impactful,” stressing that health must remain a priority for journalists.
Chairman of the 2025 NUJ Press Week central Planning Committee, Comrade Samuel Okpor, also lauded the partnership and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to initiatives that enhance the welfare of its members.
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“This outreach is not just symbolic, but it is a call to action for media professionals to begin prioritizing their health amidst demanding schedules,” he said.
