By Cynthia Talatu Batuta
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, is set to commence its 2026 Press Week celebration with a series of impactful activities aimed at promoting responsible journalism, healthy living, professional excellence, and democratic accountability.
The week-long event, scheduled to run from Saturday, May 16 to Friday, May 22, 2026, will bring together journalists, policymakers, media professionals, civil society organisations, government officials, and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues central to Nigeria’s democracy and national development.
The theme for this year’s Press Week is:
“2027 Elections: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Age of Disinformation.”
The programme is designed to underscore the critical role of the media in combating fake news, promoting credible information, and safeguarding democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Activities lined up for the 2026 Press Week include:
Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Medical Outreach
Venue: NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako
Time: 8:00am
Monday, May 18, 2026 – Walk for Mental Health
Take-off Point: Julius Berger Roundabout to NUJ Secretariat, Utako
Time: 7:00am
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 – Public Lecture and Awards Ceremony
Venue: Lagos/Osun Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja
Time: 9:00am
Thursday, May 21, 2026 – Secondary School Press Club Quiz Competition
Venue: NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako
Time: 10:00am
Friday, May 22, 2026 – Grand Finale/Jean Party
Venue: NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako
Time: 3:00pm Prompt
The highpoint of the celebration will be the Public Lecture and Awards Ceremony at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja, which is expected to attract over 1,000 participants from across the country.
The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, is expected to chair the event, while former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, will serve as Co-Chairman.
Other dignitaries expected at the occasion include the Inspector-General of Police, political leaders, captains of industry, media executives, and stakeholders from various sectors of the economy.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
The lecture and awards ceremony will also honour exceptional journalists and notable Nigerians who have distinguished themselves through professionalism, integrity, and outstanding contributions to national development.
As part of its social responsibility initiatives, the Council is partnering with Nizamiye Hospital to provide free medical consultations and health checks for journalists and members of the public during the medical outreach.
The NUJ FCT Council is therefore calling on journalists, stakeholders, and members of the public to actively participate in the activities throughout the week as part of efforts to strengthen ethical journalism, democratic values, and national unity.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, described the 2026 Press Week as “a week of impact, reflection, celebration, and professional excellence,” while urging members to turn out in large numbers for all activities.
The Council assured participants of a rewarding, engaging, and memorable experience throughout the celebration.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Obas Esiedesa
Chairman, Organising Committee
2026 NUJ FCT Press Week
08038319965 and Queen Kunde,
Secretary, Organising Committee
2026 NUJ FCT Press Week
08034540469