COVID-19 lockdown: Lagos NUJ commends Sanwo-Olu on palliatives

LAGOS, Nigeria – As the total lockdown against the spread of the dreaded Corona virus pandemic continues in Lagos being the epicenter , the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council has commended the efforts of the Lagos State government on its initiatives for palliatives.

In the same vein the union appreciated the health care facilities put in place by the government in combating the pandemic.

The NUJ however noted that media organizations were neglected in the palliatives as some members are being owed salaries up to 64 months and the least is five months in the prints and electronic media . “More disturbing too , are retirees in Radio Lagos/ Eko Fm and Lagos Television, LTV who are equally not paid their entitlements”, the union said.

In a statement signed by Dr. Qasim Akinreti, Chairman and Comrade Alfred Odifa, Secretary, the union appealed to Federal and Lagos State Governments and Corporate Organizations to make contingency arrangements to its members in this critical period of lockdown.

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The union made the plea after visits to media houses in the state to provide food, water and sanitizers to members on duty.

The union saluted the courage and professionalism of colleagues on the frontlines of COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the newsrooms at any given day can never be empty and that continuity announcers, newscasters are always available in the studios to give updates on COVID-19.

“We are worried and concerned for our members at this trying period, the union has engaged and appealed to the Lagos State Government and Media owners for assistance as some of our members are indigent and those who retired are not paid yet”.

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The NUJ noted that, most media organizations are running out of the essential materials needed to guard against COVID -19 in the work place.

The NUJ explained that while the union has contributed its meager resources towards the welfare of its members at this critical period , it is soliciting for assistance from governments and well meaning Nigerians.