The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Ekiti State Council has called on the state and Federal Government to approve hazard allowance for journalists in view of the dangers exposed to during this period of covid-19.
This is contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the union Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela and the secretary Kayode Babatuyi to commemorate this years World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day is set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of Freedom of the Press as well as remind government of their duty to respect and uphold the right of freedom of expression.
Also, it is set aside to remember Journalists who lost their lives in the course of duty.
Across the world, Freedom of the press is significant for keeping people informed and monitoring the government, to ensure better society.
The theme for this year’s Day is “Journalism Without Fear or Favour”.
The statement explains that journalists are in the front line of the fight against covid-19 and also suffer the same exposure to the disease like every other essential workers, hence the need for governments to give them special benefit as done to the health workers.
According to the statement, the role of journalists in the timely dissemination of information about the deadly coronavirus pandemic has helped a lot at checking the spread of the virus and had also helped at bridging the communication gap between relevant authorities and the people.
It commends journalists at this trying period and urged them to continue to abide by the precautions outlined by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.
The council appealed to security agents and members of the public to always protect the interest of journalists rather than attacking them.
No society can develop without press freedom, we must stop all forms of attacks on journalists and give them the conducive atmosphere to operate without let or hindrance
