Abeokuta: ISO Empowers Families of Deceased Journalists, Convener Appreciates Pelican CEO for Worthy Partnership Gestures
Olufemi Orunsola
Families of deceased journalists in Ogun state have were given a reason to heave a sigh of relief on Thursday as A non-government organization, Oniroyin Support Initiative (OSI) made good its promise to empowered the families of deceased journalists and vulnerable living journalists in the state.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Non Governmental Organization held its inaugural empowerment programme on Thursday 27th of February, 2025 at Basic Trust International Event Centre, Okelewo, Abeokuta, the state capital, where no fewer than 20 beneficiaries were presented cheques of 50,000 naira each.
OTN News further reports that while delivering his Keynote address, the Ogun State Head of Service, who is his own right is also a seasoned journalist, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, stated that consideration should be given to the creation of welfare programs, insurance plans, scholarship funds, and other initiatives for journalists’ spouses and children.
The Head of Service further lamented that journalists are often neglected, despite their exposures to multiple hazards of the pen profession, including threats to their lives, job insecurity, poor remuneration, harassment, and mental and emotional strains, harped on the need to address those concerns.
Speaking further, the Head of Service raised vital existential questions bothering on the pen profession.
In Onasanya's words, "Should journalists labor in vain? Should their families suffer after their demise?", ponting out that these are critical questions we must ponder as we deliberate on sustainable ways to support media practitioners and their families."
He affirmed that journalists hold power to account, giving a voice to the voiceless, yet the sacrifices of journalists are often overlooked.
He therefore concluded that "It is imperative that the contributions of journalists to society are not ignored and that their families are not left in despair when tragedy strikes."
He also added that "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.”
Earlier at the event, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the organization, Comrade Olufunke Fadugba, in her welcome address noted that the NGO was dedicated to the upliftment of families of deceased journalists.
She urged journalists to prioritize their health and well-being, stressing that as media practitioners, “Nobody speaks for us when we are in trouble, but when something happens to others, we are there to voice it out.”
Similarly, the convener of the initiative and a Consultant to the state Governor on Media and Communications, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye, appreciated Governor Abiodun and the Ministry of Health for collaborating to provide free medical outreach for journalists, especially during the empowerment event.
Oladunjoye asserted that the initiative, which saw the distribution of ₦50,000 each to all beneficiaries, was a means of giving back to society, noting that, it was journalism that brought him to where he is today and whatever he has become today is a result of the noble profession not politics, urging beneficiaries not to lose hope.
He also appealed to members of the public to always show concern and check on families who have lost their loved ones.
Oladunjoye, while appreciating those that have supported the programme in one way or the other singled out the kind gestures of the CEO of a leading Real Estate firm in the State, Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, who is the Chief Promoter of Oko-Opo Widow Foundation, Ambassador (Dr.) Babatunde Adeyemo who had earlier made a six digit dobation to the NGO and pledged to add 50,000 naira each to 4 of the beneficiaries, promising to use his own Foundation to work with OSI to support the families of deceased Journalists.
Other dignitaries present at the empowerment event where a free medical outreach for all journalists, included the wife of former Nigerian President, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; Veteran Journalist, Richard Akinnola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Lanre Ogunyinka; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Adewole; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Alhaji Waheed Adeshina and former NBC Director, Eddy Aina, among others.
What's Your Reaction?
