By Abolaji Adebayo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council has charged the Lagos State Government to extend its palliative measures to the media as it commended governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts on his initiatives for Lagosians as the total lockdown of the state continues.
The union also appreciated the health care facilities put in place by the government to combat the pandemic.
In a statement jointly signed by tge Chairman and Secretary of the Union, Dr. Qasim Akinreti
and Comrade Alfred Odifa, the Union, which noted that media organizations were neglected in the palliatives, stated that some members are being owed salaries up to 64 months while the least is five months in the prints and electronic media .
“More disturbing too are retirees in Radiolagos/Eko Fm and Lagos Television, LTV who are equally not paid their entitlements,” it stated.
It appealed to Federal and Lagos State Governments and Corporate Organizations to make contingency arrangements to its members in this critical period of lockdown.
It stated: “The union saluted the courage and professionalism of our colleagues on the frontlines of COVID-19. The newsrooms at any given day can never be empty, the continuity announcers, newscasters are alway available in the studios to give update information 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.
“The NUJ noted that, most media organizations are running out of the essential materials needed to guard against COVID -19 in the work place.
“While the union has contributed its meager resources towards the welfare of its members at this critical period , we are soliciting for assistance from governments and wellmeaning Nigerians.”
