Yemisi Izuora
As the total lockdown against to the spread of the Corona virus pandemic continues, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council has appealed to media owners to provide necessary preventive measures against Coronavirus- COVID -19 in their respective media establishments for easy reportage and coverage by members who are also classified as essential workers by the federal and state governments .
This was contained in a press statement released by the Chairman, Dr. Qasim Akinreti and the Secretary, Comrade Alfred Odifa.
The union enjoined media owners and Journalists to adhere strictly to the social distancing and other stipulated precautionary measures.
“We are worried and concerned for our members at this trying period”.
While the Union commended the concerted efforts of the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Center for Diseases Control, NCDC on the Corona scourge, Media owners should compliment the State Government by doing everything possible in providing palliatives to Journalists in their respective organisations.
“We noted with dismay the non payment of salaries to our members for months preceding the lock down by DAAR Communications( Raypower and AIT), Vanguard Newspapers , Champion newspapers among others.
“The NUJ noted that the media workers have been left out of the government food items distribution as The Speaker Of The Lagos House Of Assembly did for the Nigerian Union Of Teachers , NUT and National Association Of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.
“The Union appeals to individuals and corporate bodies to assist the union provide succor for its teeming members at this crucial time.
“The Union advises members who are not on duty to stay at home for the 14 days.” said the statement.