By Dada Ahmed.
Journalism, often described as the watchdog of society, is no doubt a serious professional, noble and intellectual pursuit.The journalist is a public sentinel, constantly sniffing out facts, investigating issues, and shaping public opinion with clarity and responsibility. In a democracy like Nigeria’s, especially in a politically dynamic state like Kogi, this responsibility becomes even weightier. Yet, behind every news bulletin, breaking story, or hard-hitting interview, lies a human being who also needs to breathe, laugh, and live.
On June 3, 2025, the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lokoja, wore a rare but welcome look of ease and camaraderie. The occasion? A mellow and simple get-together hosted by Mr. Tims Ejiga, a respected elder in the profession, who saw the need to blend the rigours of reportage with the sweetness of relaxation. It wasn’t just drinks, involving a few journalists the attendees saw it was therapy.
Too often, journalists are seen only through the lens of their output,that is the voice on radio, the face on TV, the byline on print. But seldom do people consider the strain of deadlines, the mental toll of trauma of reporting, and the isolation that often comes with objectivity. These factors slowly pile up, like unedited rushes in a newsroom, until burnout becomes inevitable.
That is why the gesture by Mr. Ejiga deserves more than a passing nod. It brings to the fore, a truth long buried under newsprint and sound bites,that journalists, too, need to unwind,
not for leisure alone, but for a purpose. When colleagues sit, sip, and share laughs, bonds are built, tensions eased, and minds refreshed to ensure seamless accomplishment of the rigours ahead.
Unity among journalists cannot be overstated. In an era of fake news, media distrust, the demands entrusted on journalists to inform,educate and entertain the public a united press corps is essential to ease tension coming from such onerous task.Such gatherings, informal as they may seem, provide a safe space to ventilate issues, resolve misunderstandings, and brainstorm solutions to collective It is instructive to note that, solidarity is not forged only in editorial meetings or protest marches,it is also formed over jollof rice and chilled drinks.
Beyond unity, the health benefits of social relaxation are immense. According to health experts, moderate social interactions lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and enhance mental alertness. For journalists who often encounter distressing scenes,accidents, conflicts, or court cases in the discharge of their responsibility,such balance is essential for psychological well-being.
Unfortunately,mental health is often an ignored subject in Nigerian journalism circles. Therefore ,pressure to be accurate, first, and fearless can result in fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and even depression.
Over a year ago, journalists in Lokoja were shaken by the sudden loss of one of their beloved and resourceful colleagues. After covering an assignment and returning home to file his report, he tragically slumped and died in his room, just as he was about to begin writing his story.
The burning question is,who cares for the carer? When journalists pause to enjoy the company of peers, they acknowledge their own humanity,and that’s the first step to ease tension trailing their job.
The younger generation of journalists, particularly those still learning the ropes,can also benefit immensely from such informal gatherings. In such serene atmosphere after a hard day’s job,they get to interact with veterans, hear newsroom war stories, the nitty gritty of writing a good story and learn the ethical ropes outside the rigidity of the of the profession.During such gathering,they also benefit from mentorship and cross-generational wisdom transfer,as the key to sustaining the journalism profession.
On that memorable June afternoon, it wasn’t just about who wore what or who drank what. It was about the stories that didn’t make the headlines,the laughter, the memories, and the reassurance that behind the fierce competition for exclusives lies a fraternity bound by shared ideals and struggles.
In a country such as Nigeria,where economic hardship bites harder on a daily basis,the importance of having a united ,mentally-fit and occasional cool atmosphere for journalists cannot be overemphasized.
This is because experience has shown that, social bonding has the potential to reinforce professional networks, making it easier for journalists to collaborate, support one another, and stand together in the face of threats or intimidation.
Moreover, such occasion offers an opportunity for journalists to engage in self-reflection and step away from the daily grind to enable them re-evaluate their mission, rethink their methods, and recharge their commitment to public service. It is also in those quiet, relaxed moments that ideas for impactful features or investigative pieces are sometimes born.
It is high time media organizations in Nigeria institutionalized such relaxation It could be monthly or quarterly “Press Evenings” scheduled to allow journalists from various beats interact informally. This effort, commendable as it is,should not be left only to veterans like Mr. Ejiga alone.The NUJ, media owners, and even advertisers should see such initiative as investment in human capital.
Journalists are not robots. They bleed, they laugh, they cry. And like every other professional, they deserve moments of joy, relaxation,companionship, and celebration. When those moments are encouraged, the profession becomes not just a career, but a community where unity of purpose for the advancement of journalism becomes more cherished.
So, as the echoes of that afternoon at the NUJ Press Centre in Lokoja linger, it serves as a reminder that, behind every hard-nosed reporter is a soul that needs soothing. Behind every pen is a pulse. And for the journalists to serve society well, as watch dogs,they must first imbibe the spirit of self nourishment characterized by unity, joy, and the occasional bottle of malt.
As Journalists,we must therefore, begin to raise our glasses,not just in toasts, but in gratitude to the spirit of fellowship that keeps the fourth estate of the realm standing, smiling, and striving.
It is in this light that Mr. Tims Ejiga,fondly known among his colleagues as ‘The National”,deserves commendation for his thoughtful efforts in adding greater meaning and value to the unity of fellow journalists in kogi state.
Ahmed,a member of the Federated Chapel of NUJ in kogi state, publishes The Reporters.
