Godwin Udoh, Asaba
The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised its members for their contributions in the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in the state and the country in general.
A statement signed by the Council’s Chairman and Secretary, Michael Ikeogwu, Secretary, Churchill Oyowe, respectively, said that journalists should remain committed to their job, which the council described as ‘thankless’.
The newsmen were particularly commended for their selfless disposition towards providing objective on-the-spot reportage of the pandemic to the citizentry and in the process exposing themselves to the virus.
The statement also commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for taking the painful decision to extend the lockdown by another two weeks.
The group also encouraged residents to see the act as the best for the ultimate safety of all.
The Council called on the Delta State Government to put in extra tact to ensure that the various palliatives got to all in need, while emphasising that the successful implementation of such measures would enhance willful compliance of residents with the lockdown.
Making special appeal for journalists to be considered by the state government for palliatives and needful personal protective equipment such as face mask and sanitisers, the Council reasoned that they should also be encouraged through the provisions of welfare packages.
The Council also thanked the various security agencies for doing a ‘thankless job’ in the sun and rain, enforcing the lockdown and called for more understanding in dealing with members of the public, even as it advised members of the public to respect law enforcement agents and comply with the lockdown directive.
For emergencies during this period of lockdown, the Council advised its members and general public to call, for possible intervention, the following numbers: 08033362580, 07030506047, 08062269772, 08035664991, 08034494747 or 08034283935.
