The National President of Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ
Mallam Garba Mohammed has said
that the Union will launch an endowment fund that will be taking
care of Journalist who either died , injured or experience professional hazards in the course of duty.
Mallam Garba disclose
this while addressing a press conference at the NUJ press centre Iyagnaku
Ibadan shortly after one of the union
member Mr Tunde Oluwanike who died in a motor accident last week was
buried.
The president said explained
that the endowment fund will be sustained as it will be managed by people with integrity
and credibility who will be accountable and use the money for the purpose it is
meant for.
He added that “ we are introducing this method
to support the victims family in taking care of education of their children and the family
left behind in case of death and on the
other hand to support those who have
health or other challenges . ”
The president also emphasise
on the need for media practitioner across the country to register for the
insurance scheme introduce by the Union, “ i
want to implore you all like always say everywhere i have the opportunity to speak with our colleague that it is important for us to register
for the Insurance scheme, this is not
for fun, but for benefit in case of incident like
this no boy pray or this kind of ugly incident but it is beyond our control”
He disclosed
only one of those who died in the accident
has completed his registration for the scheme and his entitlement has
been processed without any delay, please i want you to you all to see it as something
you must do as a journalist.
He however appreciate
support of the Union Members, private organizations and individuals who stood
by them during the trials and pray for the repose of the deceased.
