The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has urged its members to embrace regular exercise to stay fit and become more productive.
The Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, made the call during the council’s inaugural Keep-Fit monthly exercise at the council’s secretariat on Saturday in Abuja.
She also advised journalists to have regular health check-ups to stay physically and mentally alert and better discharge their responsibilities to society.
“Many of us suffer from joint pains because we don’t exercise enough; our work involves a lot of sitting, whether in the field, writing, or other activities.
“Find time to keep fit; even if you cannot come to the council; establish a routine exercise at home.
“Wherever you are, try to exercise daily. Take health walks, check your blood pressure, and monitor your health.
“Not everyone is strong or fit, and with this exercise, we will be able to identify those with health concerns.
“I am glad the upcoming Press Week will feature a team of doctors from Nizamiye Hospital to conduct medical check-ups for our members,” she said.
Ike described the monthly exercise as a first-of-its-kind initiative by the council and part of new measures her administration promised to introduce.
She urged members to participate in the exercise every last Saturday of the month as a way to improve their health.
She added that while the union pursued health insurance for members, regular exercise remained essential.
“NUJ FCT is setting the pace for journalists to be fit so we can continue chasing news and stay healthy.
“I know many found the exercises challenging because we have not been active for some time. It’s time to regain our energy.
“We want to be fit to chase stories, go to the field, and keep our nose for news,” Ike said.
Nkechi Onyeneke, a member of the NUJ Sport Planning Committee, emphasised that exercise was key to healthy living, saying, “If you are fit, you are healthy.”
She encouraged journalists in the FCT to embrace and participate in the initiative, noting it would be a continuous activity.
“As a journalist in the FCT, if you miss this, you are missing a lot. Try to make it next time because we are trying to keep fit,” she said.
Halima Jibrin of the Correspondent Chapter described the initiative as a milestone achieved by the NUJ FCT leadership, urging that it be sustained and proposed to other councils.
“I believe Grace Ike should take this to the NEC so every NUJ chapter across the country can adopt it and promote fitness.
“It’s not enough to stay behind the camera or screen without realising that health is wealth. Let’s keep fit and be healthy.
“No matter who you are, if you’re not fit, you won’t enjoy what you’ve earned,” Jibrin added.
Ajoke Adisa of TVC News urged journalists to prioritise their health, noting many lived sedentary lifestyles.
Commending the union’s initiative, Adisa said if members sustained and practiced the habit, they would benefit greatly.
“Over the years, sicknesses like diabetes and high blood pressure have been major killers, especially for journalists who don’t make time to unwind.
“This is a good initiative that will help restore the culture of health consciousness,” she said.
Ajoke appealed to all Nigerians to find 20 to 30 minutes daily for exercise.
Alpha Jackden, a council member, expressed joy at participating in the exercise and encouraged members to exercise regularly beyond the monthly sessions.
“From what I’ve seen today, many of us are not fit, so it’s important to exercise regularly, not just once a month,” Jackden said.