Osun NUJ @ 35: ITK, Aboderin Charge Journalists On Healthy Living

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Osogbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Taofeeq Kayode, popularly known as ITK, has urged journalists to prioritise physical fitness and regular exercise to maintain good health and cope with the demands of their profession.

Kayode made the call through his representative, Pastor Segun Progress, during a health walk organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, as part of activities marking its 35th anniversary.

He described regular exercise as an important health practice that people could adopt regardless of their financial circumstances, urging journalists to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

The APC candidate also advised journalists to uphold fairness and balance in their reportage as Osun State approaches another election season, stressing the need to provide political actors with a fair opportunity to present their positions to the public.

The health walk was among activities lined up for the council’s week-long anniversary celebration, aimed at promoting members’ welfare, professional development and physical well-being.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ, Osun State Council, Comrade (Dr.) Adeyemi Aboderin, also called on journalists to pay greater attention to their health, noting that the demands of daily assignments and the responsibility of keeping the public informed often leave media practitioners with little time for personal well-being.

Aboderin observed that journalists frequently placed professional responsibilities above their health, despite the physical demands of moving from one assignment to another while working under tight deadlines.

“Journalists are too busy to take care of their health. We are too busy to go for medical check-ups. We are more focused on letting members of the public know what is going on,” he said.

The NUJ chairman urged members to sustain the exercise beyond the anniversary celebration, recommending 10 to 15 minutes of walking before work and regular physical activity at least twice a week.

He also reflected on the council’s 35-year journey, acknowledging the contributions of past leaders and members to the growth and sustainability of the union.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Health Walk Committee, Comrade Olawumi Olaniyi, said the initiative was designed to encourage journalists to monitor their health more consistently, particularly given the demanding nature of field assignments and newsroom responsibilities.

She advised members against allowing work to take precedence over their well-being, stressing that good health was essential to their professional careers, family responsibilities and personal lives.

The health walk formed part of the NUJ Osun State Council’s week-long celebration marking its 35th anniversary.