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OVER 300 JOURNALISTS BENEFIT FROM NUJ FCT AND NIZAMIYE HOSPITAL’S FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP INITIATIVE IN ABUJA

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, has provided free medical check-ups for over 300 journalists in Abuja. The medical outreach, held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako, revealed a high prevalence of high blood pressure and sugar level issues among the participants. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa praised the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward safeguarding journalists’ health. Represented by Director of Medical Services Surgeon Commodore Momoh Jimoh Salihu, the CDS said, “It is actually a laudable event and I want to say kudos to the NUJ FCT and the Nizamiye Hospital for organizing and conducting this medical outreach for journalists. This effort will improve the well-being and productivity of journalists in Abuja and help them stay focused on their job.” NUJ FCT Chairman Comrade Grace Ike expressed gratitude to Nizamiye Hospital for deploying a team of specialists, including a general surgeon, internals, cardiologist, nephrologist, ophthalmologist, and general practitioners. “We will always make sure our members are healthy. They go out to the field every time and most times they barely have time to check on themselves,” she said. The outreach is part of NUJ FCT’s wider plan to raise health awareness and provide free medical support to journalists. Comrade Ike noted that the results of the check-ups would help guide their efforts to secure health insurance for members. “This initiative demonstrates the union’s commitment to supporting journalists’ well-being,” she added. “It is our desire to make sure that we get health insurance for our members. The outcome of today’s outreach will better guide us.” Comrade Ike promised that this wouldn’t be the last time, saying the union remains committed to looking after its members. “This will not be the last. We will continue to do this. Thank you to Nizamiye Hospital for taking up this challenge.” Doctors from Nizamiye Hospital carried out various health checks, including heart health, bones and joints, eyes, and dental care. The hospital’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, said, “Our aim was to conduct medical screening for journalists in the FCT. The aim of the medical outreach is to prevent diseases. We are known to give humanitarian aids and this for us is a partnership with the NUJ FCT.” The medical outreach identified several health issues, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, hernia, and hemorrhage. The hospital will follow up with participants who require further treatment and management. Dr. Nurullo Sadokov, Deputy Medical Director of Nizamiye Hospital, stated that the medical outreach was part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility. “I hope this screening will help journalists to identify and prevent diseases and sicknesses.” Comrade Grace Ike expressed her joy and satisfaction with the exercise, stating that it aligns with her campaign focus on prioritizing welfare and inclusivity for journalists. She emphasized that the nature of the job often leaves the issue of healthcare neglected and revealed that efforts are ongoing to obtain health insurance for media members of the union under the National Health Insurance Scheme. “We will always make sure our members are healthy. They go out to the field every time and most times they barely have time to go for medical check-ups.” The partnership between NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital aims to promote better health and higher productivity among journalists in Abuja. The exercise was well-attended, with Comrade Ike thanking Nizamiye Hospital for bringing their team of specialists to check on NUJ members. “I am happy that members turned out en masse for this outreach. For me, I am happy that the team of medical doctors from Nizamiye hospital are here to check our members.”

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS SIX CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTORS FOR FEDERAL HOSPITALS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed six Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) for federal government-owned hospitals across the country. The appointments are part of the president’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure access to quality medical services for all Nigerians. In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the names of the newly appointed CMDs and their respective hospitals. The appointees include Prof. Olusegun Sylvester Ojo, who will head the Federal Teaching Hospital in Akure, Ondo State; Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi, who has been reappointed as the CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe; and Dr. Dauda Abubakar Katagum, who has been confirmed as the substantive CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Azare, Bauchi State. Onanuga also mentioned that Dr. Ikrama Hassan has been appointed as the CMD of the newly upgraded Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafiya, Nasarawa State; Dr. Ali Mohammed Ramat will head the newly established National Orthopedic Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State; and Dr. Haruna Abubakar Shehu will lead the newly established Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. All appointments are for a four-year term, effective from the respective dates of assumption of office. President Tinubu congratulated the newly appointed and reappointed CMDs, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service delivery in their respective roles. “He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring all Nigerians have access to quality medical services,” Onanuga said. Bayo Onanuga further stated that Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi’s second and final term as CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe commenced on September 5, 2024, while Dr. Dauda Abubakar Katagum’s tenure as CMD of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Azare, Bauchi State, took effect from December 6, 2024.

PRESIDENT TINUBU PRAISES GOV OKPEBHOLO FOR REVITALIZING EDO STATE’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his efforts in reviving and promoting healthcare services in Edo State. The President noted that Governor Okpebholo is ensuring that the people of Edo State receive the best healthcare services available. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, revealed that President Tinubu spoke through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ishaq Salako, during a visit to Edo State Government House. Itua stated that Dr. Salako led a delegation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the take-off of a National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City. The Centre will treat cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF). Dr. Salako praised Governor Okpebholo’s administration, saying, “We struggled from May 2023 till November 2024 before you became the Governor of Edo State, but in about three months, we have achieved what we could not achieve in about 24 months.” He also noted that Governor Okpebholo has provided a 24-hectare land for the permanent centre. Fred Itua added that Governor Okpebholo thanked President Tinubu for changing the narrative of Edo State, saying the people will continue to appreciate him for his development-oriented projects. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that health is crucial to Edo people and that the centre will serve not only the State but also the zone and neighboring states. Fred Itua stated that Governor Okpebholo assured that the hospital will commence soon, with the Edo State Government supporting the centre. The Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for choosing Edo State as the location for the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre.