Ogun NUJ inaugurates advisory council to support families of deceased Journalists

Adebayo Adenrele







The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has inaugurated the management committee and advisory council to steer the affairs of support fund for the family of deceased members.

The official inauguration ceremony was held on Thursday at the Secretaria of NUJ, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

In his opening remarks, the state NUJ chairman, Comr. Wale Olarenwaju, who is also a member of the management committee and advisory council, noted that the gathering was not just about the inauguration but re-affirming his administration’s commitment to supporting colleagues

Olarenwaju posited that it is pertinent to bring the lofty idea to reality while commending the initiator, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye.

His words, “As we embark on this journey together, let me remind you that it will be institutionalized even after our tenure.”

“We gather here today not just to inaugurate management and advisory committee, but to reaffirm our commitment in supporting colleagues. We have some colleague’s families going through hell because of the loss of their breadwinners.”

Also, the initiator of the idea, Comrade. Tunde Oladunjoye, in his speech, disclosed that the idea was borne out of his experience in the industry where salaries are not paid regularly, and journalists are expected by many employers to use unethical means to survive.

He added that the working conditions are tough, mean, and brutish; and there is no collective bargaining agreement; coupled with almost zero solidarity among media organizations and practitioners, thereby making him give back to the profession that made him.

Oladunjoye said that whatever he became today was through journalism, and he would do everything to support members who were lacking, adding that the majority of the deceased colleagues were being neglected.

“Families of our late colleagues are almost totally neglected. We do not 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 families of late colleagues. This is not about money alone. Some of the members of the families of our late colleagues are looking for referrals, employment, internships, mentoring, and so on. Some of these needed assistance are being freely provided by our members and our veterans to other people. We, therefore, need the prompts to include families of our late colleagues.

“I am very happy that the NUJ cooperated with me, and we jointly nominated and agreed on members of the management committee and the advisory council. I harbor no doubt whatsoever, in the ability, capability, and integrity of the members. I urge the present executive members of NUJ to cooperate fully with members of the management committee and the advisory council to ensure the success of the initiative.

“The day I made the seed grant of N250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand nairas), a friend of mine, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola donated N100,000 (one hundred thousand nairas) to me, which I promptly forwarded to the account of NUJ, making N350,000 (three hundred and fifty thousand nairas in the kitty). I therefore want to thank Hon. Oyegbola for his support. When I spoke to him about this inauguration two days ago, he said he was ready to do more. Some people, including senior colleagues, have contacted me too. I also expect NUJ to make a huge donation to this fund.

“The Chairman of the management committee, Barrister Demola Badejo, has informed me that an account will be open for the fund in the next week. It is, therefore, my joy to announce an additional donation of N250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand naira) to the fund, which I will credit to its designated account, once opened.

“I thank the chairmen and members who have accepted to serve in the management committee and advisory council, I wish us well.”

In the same development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kehinde Onasanya, who was appointed as a member of the management committee submitted that the support fund is very important, noting that it is the most charitable thing to do to contribute to the wellness of deceased colleagues’ families.

He posited that journalists are taking a pivotal role when it comes to shaping society and contributing to the development of the country.
Onasanya advised the members of the committee to administer the fund judiciously, while calling on NUJ to make the project very important, whereby the unborn journalists can see and emulate the good work.