Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State chapter, Chief Chris Akaraonye has said journalists are more exposed to the risk of being infected by the dreaded covid 19 infection because they are not provided with Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) when discharging their duties.
In his Christmas and New Year message to journalists in Imo State, Akaraonye said “the year 2020 has been very challenging. The coronavirus crippled a lot of activities. The endsars protests and now a second wave of Covid 19 is already taking its toll on the society”
He said “As media professionals, it has not really been easy to do what we are trained to do. Government, organisations and even private individuals have not assisted journalists much in carrying out their responsibilities.
“I understand the constraints in our profession added to the fact that a lot of journalists practicing in Imo are not being paid as and when due. Many are not even paid at all. Our colleagues work without necessary tools and equipment.
“Even with the ravaging and rampaging Covid-19, yet journalists are not provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), thereby exposing them to the risk of infection.
“However, despite all these towering challenges, God has been faithful and has kept His watchful eyes over us all” he stated.
Akaraonye described the recent NUJ legacy Awards as one filled with sweet memories
“The NUJ Legacy Awards has come and gone with its sweet memories. I thank you all for your support to make it a huge success. Imo successfully hosted the SouthEast Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) Meeting of NUJ. Hopefully, we shall engage in more activities next year.
“I know that there have been bickering among some over one thing or the other. It is normal with human beings. I urge us all to eschew bitterness and rancour with peace and open mind. We are all colleagues and united by one profession.
“We wish to most sincerely express our gratitude to Imo citizens for their support to the NUJ and journalists in Imo and urge them to continue in their support
“As we all celebrate the Christmas and New Year, may we celebrate with moderation and caution. It is good we obey and inform the society on the need to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 protocols to stem the tide of the second wave” the statement concluded
“I pray God to continue to guide and guard each of us and to make year 2021 a better one for us all” the statement concluded
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