A Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO), Oniroyin Supportive Initiative on Thursday launched t Inaugural empowerment program for families of deceased journalists in Ogun state highlighting the need for a safety net for those who give voice to the voiceless.
Penpushing reports that the project which was project of a veteran journalist Tunde Oladunjoye was held at Basic Trust Centre, located in Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta with a public presentation of cheques and grants to the beneficiaries.
The ceremony in same vein had a free medical outreach for all journalists, as well as cash gift for some journalists facing health challenges in the state to enable them address their health plight, they might have been battling with.
Penpushing further reports that the convener of the project in his speech explained that the decision was to give back to the society, stressing that whatever he has become today was as a result of journalism.
The renowned journalist and Consultant to Ogun State Governor on Media and Communications urged the beneficiaries to always be hopeful and appealed on members of the public to always show concern and check on families who have lost their loved ones.
Penpushing also reports that Oladunjoye expressed appreciation to the Governor and the Ministry of health for collaborating in providing free medical outreach to the journalists at the event.
The Chairman Board of Trustees of the initiative, Deaconess Olufunke Fadugba, earlier in her welcome address explained that the program was dedicated to the upliftment of families of deceased journalists.
Penpushing reports that Fadugba, who is also the editorial board chairman of Penpushing Media, owner of online newspapers and television urged media practitioners to put their personal health and life first.
The Chairman pointed out that as media practitioners nobody speaks for them when they are in troubled but when something happens to people journalists are always there to voice it out for benefits of the affected .
Penpushing further reports that the Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, in his remarks noted that consideration should be given to the creation of welfare programs, insurance plans, scholarship funds, and other initiatives for journalists’ spouses and their children.
The number one civil servant in the state who is a journalist, pointed out that journalists are often exposed to occupational hazards including threats to their lives, job insecurity, poor remuneration, harassment, mental and emotional strain among others, emphasizing need to address their concerns.
Penpushing also reports that Onasanya stated that when journalists know that their families will not be abandoned in terms of distress, they will perform their duties with better commitment and confidence.
‘The unfortunate reality is that a good number of journalists labour tirelessly but often lack the financial security to cater to their families when misfortune strikes. Should journalists labour in vain? Should their families suffer after their demise? These are critical questions we must ponder as we deliberate on sustainable ways to support media practitioners and their families’, he said.
‘Journalists hold power to account and giving a voice to the voiceless, yet the sacrifices of journalists are often overlooked. It is imperative that contributions of journalists to society are not ignored and that their families are not left in despair when tragedy strikes. It is high time we take a bold step in addressing these concerns and ensure better welfare for those who dedicate their lives to informing the public”, Onasanya stated
The dignitaries at the event includes wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Lanre Ogunyinka, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports, Oluwatoyin Adewole, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Eddy Aina, former Director National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Richard Akinola a veteran Nigerian journalist and activist, as well as Babatunde Adeyemo, Chief Executive Officer Pelican Valley among others.
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