Ogun State council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has Inaugurated both its Fund Management Committee and Advisory Council, as part of strategic moves to respond to immediate needs of families of deceased members of journalism profession
Chairman of the State NUJ, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju during the inauguration of the two bodies on Thursday at its Iwe-Irohin Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta Secretariat, said that the event was to demonstrate the commitment of the State Council to
supporting the families of fallen colleagues in the profession
He listed members of the fund management committee to include former Chairman of the State Council of NUJ, and former permanent secretary, Mr. Demola Badejo will chair the management committee that oversee the resources accruable to the fund and
two term Executive Member of the the Union and Permanent Secretary in Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Doyin Jibowo and Mrs. Doyin Oloruntola of the National Association of Women Journalists, Ogun State Chapter including the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of NUJ
Members of the Advisory Council according to him, are veteran journalist and royal father, Olufemi Ogunleye who serves as chairman, former chairman of Ogun NUJ, Mr Eddie Aina, former council chairman and senior media consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, CEO of Rockcity FM, Mr Niran Malaolu, radio broadcaster and founder of Women Radio, WFM 97.1, Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaya and former presidential spokesman, Mr. Reuben Abati.
The State NUJ. Chairman will be serving as the Secretary of the advisory council
Olanrewaju who was full of praises for the initiator of the idea, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye,,assured that the initiative would be institutionalized to ensure its sustenance in the state council after the expiration of the present State Executive Committee
"As we embark on this journey together, let me remind all that this noble idea is designed to be managed outside the control of NUJ and by the grace of God, would be institutionalized with the sole aim of existing even after the expiration of our tenure. I therefore urge all that we remember the noble cause that unites us – to provide assistance, care, and solidarity to the loved ones of those who have dedicated their lives to journalism, often at great personal risk. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their families are supported in times of need", he stated
The State NUJ Chairman expressed confidence that members of the fund management committee and advisory council would perform to expectations given their pedigree in the journalism profession
" I have full confidence in the expertise, compassion and dedication of our management committee members and advisors, and I am sure, together, we will work tirelessly to honour the memory of our departed colleagues and to offer meaningful assistance to their families"
Also speaking Oladunjoye explained the rationale behind the initiative, saying the idea was born out of his personal experiences in the industry where salaries are not paid regularly, where the working condition is tough, mean and brutish and where there is no collective bargaining agreement, couple with almost zero-solidarity among media organizations and practitioners
Oladunjoye who recalled several rare opportunities he had enjoined working with governors, ministers as well as former member of presidential and ministerial committees for being a journalist, stressed the need to support families of late colleagues who are almost totally neglected
"We don't seem to remember them once our colleagues are buried. While not blaming us for the painful neglect, as those of us alive are even managing to cope with the harsh working environment in the industry, I believe we must consciously create and support a structure that will take care of the members of the families of late colleagues", he stated
Oladunjoye who supported the fund management committee with initial personal deposit of N250,000 and another N100,000 a friend, Hon.Lanre Otegbola, stressed the need for the committee members to provide additional support beyond financial assistance to families of late colleagues by assisting them employment or any other opportunities
He called on members of State Executive Committee of NUJ to cooperate fully with members of both the management committee and advisory council to ensure success of the initiative
Chairman of the committee, Mr. Demola Badejo represented by Kehinde Onasanya and that of advisory council's chairman, Oba Ogunleye represented by Mr. Eddy Aina pledged to work together to ensure success and sustenance of the initiative which they described as laudable
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