NUJ FCT urges Journalists To prioritise Eye Health for effective reporting

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on journalists to prioritise their eye health, describing it as essential to accuracy and excellence in journalism.

Comrade Ike made the call in a remark delivered on her behalf by Mrs. Shakirat Alabi, former Chairperson of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Abuja Operations Chapel, at a capacity-building workshop organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme “Healthy Eyes for Effective Journalism,” Comrade Ike emphasised that healthy vision plays a vital role in effective reporting, noting that journalists depend heavily on their eyes to observe, interpret, and communicate facts to the public.

“Our eyes are not just windows to the world; they are tools of our trade. Every report we write, every picture we frame, and every truth we uncover begins with what we see,” she said.

She expressed concern that the demands of modern journalism — especially prolonged screen time — contribute to eye strain, dryness, blurred vision, and headaches, conditions experts now describe as digital eye syndrome.

Recognising these challenges, Comrade Ike stated that her administration has made journalists’ health and well-being a top priority.

She recalled that even before assuming office, she organised free eye checks for over 100 journalists during her campaign, an initiative inspired by her belief that good vision is essential to good journalism.

“Leadership in journalism goes beyond advocacy,” she said. “It also includes caring for the welfare of members who tell the stories that shape our society.”

Comrade Ike, through her representative, urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop and adopt healthy habits to protect their sight, such as taking screen breaks, blinking often, adjusting lighting, and eating foods rich in vitamins beneficial to eye health.

She stressed that eye care should not be seen as a luxury but as a professional necessity.

“When our vision is clear, our storytelling becomes sharper, our reporting more accurate, and our watchdog role more effective,” she noted.

“Healthy eyes lead to clear vision, and clear vision leads to better journalism.”

Since the assumption of office, the NUJ FCT Council has organised several eye screening programmes for members, reaffirming its conviction that a healthy journalist is an effective journalist.

The workshop, attended by journalists, facilitators, and media professionals, focused on promoting wellness and productivity in the newsroom through practical eye care education.

Ms. Onyilo, President and Founder of the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) and Publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine, opened her address by praising the organizers for recognizing an often-overlooked truth: true leadership includes caring for one’s physical well-being. “Health is wealth,” she emphasized, reminding everyone that good vision is essential not only as a physical necessity but as a metaphor for professional clarity.
She explained that journalists, as community leaders and truth-seekers, wield great influence. Leadership stems from influence and demands a clear, future-oriented vision—a guiding light that shapes actions and habits. “Vision,” she said, “is an ideal that reflects shared values, a mental image of what we aim to achieve, and the internal compass that energizes us toward the future.”

Ms. Onyilo quoted Steve Jobs to illustrate how vision pulls people forward, not pushes them, and challenged the journalists to find their own visions  whether championing causes, exposing injustice, or delivering truthful news. But vision alone is not enough.