Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
A former member of the Imo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Governing Council, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Hon. Obulimba Innocent Ekeh, has doled out palliative items to members of Correspondent Chapel of NUJ, Imo State Council.
Ekeh who doled out palliatives to journalists across different chapels in the state, however called on public-spirited individuals, corporate establishments and multinational companies to take a closer look at the plight of journalists in Nigeria.
He added that every nation gets the quality of news media they deserve and as such should invest and support their media practitioners especially at a time like this when the world is battling global emergency.
He also maintained that journalists were among professionals in the frontline in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
Handing over cash and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including face masks, detergents and sanitisers, Hon. Ekeh said, “My dear friends, with all humility, let me implore you to please accept this meagre gifts.
“It is my widow’s mite from a lean savings. Savings they say is for the rainy day, but I ask; can there be a heavier rain than this global storm imposed by COVID-19?”
“If not, I am motivated to offer this drop of water in the ocean of the varied needs of media practitioners and journalists.”
He urge the people to situate it as drawing attention to the unique and indispensable roles of the journalist and attention to the great loss the people would suffer if the journalist renege on his duties due to inadequate working resource and welfare.
While urging a multi-sectoral intervention in the plight of Nigerian journalists, Ekeh urged stakeholders to note that, what they do for journalists in this circumstance, you do for yourself and for society.
