Against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has called on media owners to protect journalists and pay hazard allowance to enable them carry on their duties diligently.
In a statement released in Abuja Thursday and signed by Secretary of Council, Ochiaka Ugwu, said the Chairman of Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, has frowned at the poor response of some media owners regarding the safety of journalists in their establishments.
Ogbeche, who expressed worry over the non-provision of protective materials at media work places, tasked media owners as a matter of urgency to make available safety kits such as masks, hand gloves, temperature guns and sanitizers.
“Protective materials need to be in place at all media houses as well as field kits for journalists and other media workers. From reports from our members, some media organization are lacking in these safety essentials and we will not permit such risky situation to persist.”
While commending journalists for being steadfast in their duties despite the Covid-19 pandemic, he urged them to also take personal responsibility for their safety.
The NUJ FCT Chairman called on all stakeholders and good spirited individuals to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility by donating safety kits to the union and other groups.
He urged Nigerians to intensify effort in observing social distancing, personal hygiene and laid down procedure.
